By Tony Cooke

I was talking recently with a pastor friend, and he introduced me to a Hebrew word, achariyth (pronounced, ahk-ar-eeth). This word carries the idea of “the final result of one’s ways, thoughts, and behaviors.” Other implications of this word include, “the end, the outcome, the conclusion, the end result.” It’s the word that’s used in such passages as:

Psalm 37:37 - Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future (achariyth) of that man is peace.

Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end (achariyth) is the way of death.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future (achariyth) and a hope.

This Hebrew word really captures the concept that Paul taught when he said, “whatever a man sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Some of the key points shared in this lesson include:

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Show me your present – what you’re doing, and I’ll tell you your future. Generally speaking, your future will be the sum total of your decisions and actions today. People often want the right product, but they don’t want to engage in the right process. Some Christians want a quick-fix to all their problems – they want what has been called “a drive-through break-through.” Because of the law of sowing and reaping, many are praying for a crop failure (Thank God for His mercy and the new beginnings He offers us, but we can’t abuse that. We can’t continually sow the wrong words and actions and expect the right outcome). One of the most important lessons we can learn in life is that actions have consequences. Immaturity focuses on the immediate feeling and demands immediate gratification. Maturity focuses on the ultimate result… maturity is able to perceive a “due season” and is willing to wait (see Hebrews 11:24-27).

When Paul spoke to the Galatians, he encouraged them not to be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9). God’s rewards don’t always come overnight, but His blessings are worth waiting for! May God bless you richly as you move toward your achariyth!