Sowing And Reaping

Sowing and Reaping

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Sow and then reap seems like a simple concept and it can be. In this high pressure, fast-paced world we sometimes hope that our intentions can count for the sowing. Alas not so, but the principle is tried and true in all circumstances.

Let’s look at the source. Jesus tells us this:

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Luke 6:38 NIV

When we look at the larger picture Jesus is speaking about He’s referring to our attitudes, our choices, our hearts and really our actions. We can want to not judge but do. We can desire to be kind but are not. We can wish someday to be helpful, just not today: “I’m really busy.” We can want to make good choices but “I really want this…now.” I would love to give my time but “I have so little right now, later I will.” This list could and does go on.

Let’s start at the beginning. The principle of “reaping and sowing” works both in positive and negative ways. We benefit from the analogy of farming and our lives. So let’s start there.

A farmer doesn’t just go out to the field and throw seeds on a field. He works the soil. He starts working on the field long before he puts the seeds in the ground. He plows the field. He cultivates the soil, fertilizes, and plows the soil again. Then he chooses the best seed for harvesting the best crop. But the farmer is not done yet. Watering, watching the crop, protecting it from insects and the things that would destroy the plants. Then, there is the harvest time.

It takes work for the farmer and for us in our lives. When we consider, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.” What it is we are going to give and in what condition will it be given?

You see we will have decisions to make, but what is it that we will base those decisions upon? Have we taken the time to actually make sure the soil of our hearts is prepared? Is it God preparing our hearts? Is He providing the seed? Are we looking to God for the cultivation of our hearts or this world?

In farming there are seasons where the climate or disease or pests of this world take a toll on their crops; regardless of the work the farmer puts in. Then there are seasons where the crops flourish. But the long term success of the farmer depends on each seasons preparation, care, and perseverance.

Likewise, with us, there can be tragedy, challenges, things out of our control that can pour in like a flood. Things that can grind us to the very underpinning of our being. Where fear or bitterness, or hatred are like cutworms in a field. They are under the soil not easily seen but their devastation is sure. They eat at the root and separate the plant from the roots. If unchecked they can destroy an entire field of crops. In the same way fear, bitterness, and hatred can go undetected buried deep in our hearts but when the challenges come like a tempest, we are at risk.

That is where our faith in God comes in. When we look to God for guidance, correction, and focus He will come in abundance. Strengthening, inspiring, transforming our hearts and minds so when the things of this world come like a raging storm we will stand firm. We may need to plow up a patch of soil in our hearts from time to time but the field of our heart will be healthy, rich and ready for the seed to be planted for a time of growth. Then the harvest.

Are we careful to guard what we put into our minds and hearts? Are we diligent to remove the things in our lives that can easily defeat us? Pride, greed, and fear come to mind; they are the devious ones. They are the spiritual “cutworms” Hard to see at first…they cause the biggest problems in the end.

The perfect plan is found in God’s love for us. We will all face challenges that seem more than we can endure. Physical, emotional, spiritual growth we desire but think we never can attain. When God is in the midst of it we will not be overcome.

You see, love casts out all fear. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love never fails.

We have a field in our hearts to care for and when we give that field to God, the harvest is spectacular! We have the opportunity to be a part of people’s lives we would never have guessed possible. We see miracles that seem unspeakable and bring hope where despair has often ruled the day.

God’s love never fails. Never.

So give what you have been given; love because you have been loved; because in so doing you are planting seeds in your field. The harvest will be remarkable.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Proverbs 11:25

Israelmore Ayivor, of the Daily Drive 365 says this:

“When God opens the windows of heaven for rain to flow, those who will enjoy are those who sow! Don’t misuse the blessings of God…Get a seed today to grow!”

In Galatians Paul tells us not to get tired of doing well. Listen.

“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest—if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 NIV

It’s not always easy that is for sure. But there is no trial that God does not carry us through and in so doing plants seeds in our hearts of faith, trust, grace, Love.

Today can you examine the field of your heart? Can you ask God to show you how to buttress the field so the seed you sow will grow strong and sure?