This morning I am reading from 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV:
[6] "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. [9] As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
[10] Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
As I read this I thought of the other reaping and sowing verse from Galatians 6:7-10 NIV:
[7] "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [9] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
It is so helpful to me to know that the Spiritual principles of our faith are related to the natural principles, as described here by Paul. Sowing and Reaping is one of the simplest principles, yet many of us don't live our lives in this way. This principle speaks of a natural progression over time, where some seed is planted and over a season of germination, growth and maturity a harvest is finally recognized. Again, this principle takes time. In our modern microwave world we think everything should happen in an instant, and that is not the way described here.
Secondly, the natural principle says if you want a certain type of harvest, you need to plant that type of seed. Again, because so many of us are so concerned about instant results, we think there must be another way, and special process of secret way to get what we want. Our marketing companies generate billions of dollars in sales by selling us instant fixes that are not seeds of the harvest type we want to reap. I was driving yesterday and heard an advertisement that said this guy's special insight of how to flip houses and generate $20,000 almost instantly was completely risk free. It would only be a couple of weeks and you could cash out with tons of money. What a load of lies. In the same way, all the exercise equipment manufacturers that promises firmed and toned bodies make it look easy and almost overnight, but they never mention the hard work, the diet restrictions and self motivation required to actually achieve those results.
The simple truth is what we sow we reap. In spiritual terms, if we want a deeper relationship with God, we need to spend time with Him, for that is how relationships grow, through relating. If we want to grow in insight of God's Word, we have to spend time reading and learning and working to gain understanding. If we want to grow in our spiritual giftings, we must exercise them and learn how they operate and develop. If we want spiritual intimacy with God, we need to spend time being intimate with Him.
I have always been intrigued by those men and women of God who seem to have deep relationships with God, who can hear His voice with clarity. As I have read about their lives, to the individual they all have recognized this type of ministry through years of prayer and developing their ministries. I have learned to be wary of those talking about how quickly they have been established in their ministries, as if they have a special relationship with God, that means they have missed much of the natural growing and maturing process God takes the vast majority of us through. Large fruit that grows unnaturally quick usually falls off the vine or breaks the branches because there isn't the appropriate support.
I also find it interesting how the purveyors of the prosperity gospel, have taken these verses, especially those from 2 Cor 9, and turned them into some special financial blessing secret. The worst of the lot make it seem like God is a money printing machine, where you put one dollar in and receive back 10 times in return, guaranteed. I would guess that most of those ministries don't point back to Jesus words in the Gospels where He says our investments here on earth build our accounts in heaven (Matt 6:19-21, Matt 19:21, Mark 10:17-30, Luke 18:18-30).
Going back to the natural principles at work, sowing is followed by a time of germination, growth, watering, cultivation and finally a harvest. God will bless those who give generously, His word says so, but it will be over time and through process. It will most importantly influence our heavenly account with the Lord. Also Paul speaks about a harvest of righteousness that goes along with an increase of the store of your seed. The Father is not stingy nor hard-hearted and as we give to Him, He will pour abundant blessings back to us.
This doesn't mean we won't experience difficult times, for in growing seasons there is often heavy rains, winds, scorching sun, and dryness, but if we persevere we will experience the harvest. So let us not grow weary of sowing, waiting on the Lord, fertilizing, cultivating and maturing, for they were all required to reach maturity. Let us not abandon hope when we encounter storms, or difficult times, for there will be a harvest.
Finally a word for those in desperate need, sow what you need, in whatever amount you can. If its healing, pray for others healing. If it is financial, give what little you can afford to the Lord, and He will be faithful, His words says so, and my experience is in line with His words.
Amen Lord, we trust in You!
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