working for a future i cannot see

Galatians 6:7-10

Paul is using an agricultural word picture, reminding his readers that, as a farmer expects to harvest what he planted, we should also expect consequences consistent with how we lived our lives. This paragraph ties to the previous one: we are each responsible for the way that we live our lives (plus responsible to look out for the welfare of others) and will be rewarded as such. It also continues Paul's thought from the previous chapter - continuing the contrast between living by the sinful nature and living by the Spirit. Living by the Spirit produces a more immediate harvest of love, joy, peace, etc. and a future harvest of eternal life.
Wasn't it Gladiator that said, "What we do in life, echoes in eternity"? That was ripped right form Paul. Paul's point is that since we can expect a harvest consistent with how we live our lives, let's live our lives in such a way that we would expect the best harvest. At every opportunity, do good to all people.
I've been reminded recently that there are three main disciplines in lent: prayer, fasting and alms giving. This fits with what Paul was saying (although our "alms giving" shouldn't be confined to just the lent season - nor should prayer and fasting for that matter); do good to all people. For lent this year, I've decided to spend time reading and praying at least 5 days/week, to give up all junk food and to do one random act of kindness each week. I've also decided to become more aware about my purchases. Ever since I learned that most of the chocolate in the world is harvested by child slaves, I've had my eyes opened. I think the good that Paul is asking me to do might extend to the 15000 children between the ages of 9 and 15 in slavery in teh Ivory Coast harvesting cocoa beans. Hopefully the disciplines I develop during lent will carry on past it.