Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A person reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7)

I understand that it is in television news’ best financial interests to latch on to any kind of “bad news” and stay with it. It is compelling and, to so many who have interests in current events, it is addictive in its own way.

Still, I don’t know that it is in the best interests of you or me to allow our minds and spirits to be constantly bombarded with the latest plane crash or civil disturbance. One of these days we may feel that all of America’s planes or cities have crashed or are burning.

You know that’s not the case. Despite the Baltimores, there are plenty of people going to work, living responsible lives, obeying the law, and doing much more good than bad.

There continue to be thousands of acres of crops planted in Decatur and surrounding counties. There are faithful churches having their Homecoming services and revivals; doing their best to offer hope to the hopeless.

Despite the criticisms of those minimum wage jobs, there are plenty of people working them and hoping to rise above those jobs and into better paying ones.

There are plenty of people who are sowing good seeds and I am thankful for the principle we read in God’s Word that when we sow good seed, we will, one day, reap the benefits of that good seed.

I am believer in the principles of the Bible. Good seed equals good life. Sometimes it takes patience and maturity to realize it, but it is true that when good seed or responsible actions are planted, good things will happen.

The opposite is also true. There is another verse in Hosea (8:7) that clearly states, “He who sows the wind will reap the whirlwind.”

I thought of that verse when someone who was viewing the recent riots and looting in Baltimore asked, “Where are the parents?” We hear that question often when younger people are involved in activities that are negative.

I heard the question and might not have said it, but thought “There are no parents.”

I want to be careful because I know that there are many situations with families these days and I am not putting all the blame for rioting and looting on parents who haven’t looked after their children. Both parents and children have rough rows to hoe these days. Children also have their responsibility.

As a pastor, I see many single mothers who are working hard to raise their children in the right way. It is more difficult than I can imagine what a single mother must do these days to raise a family. Some are succeeding wonderfully and my hat goes off to them.

At the same time, our efforts as a country to help those mothers (and fathers, if that is the case) have been misguided. Sometimes we think if we can just throw enough money at the situation, everything will be okay. That’s not true.

Money is necessary, but it is not the “be-all and end-all.” Money cannot take the place of love and diligent guidance. If money was the answer, with all that we have paid in the last 50 years, our nation would have nixed most of our social problems.

I looked at Baltimore and was saddened but saw the confirmation of Scripture. We have sowed the wind and, now, the whirlwind is upon us.