Let’s examine the phrase, “You reap what you sow”.  What does it mean? The dictionary defines ‘to reap’ as to gather a crop; and ‘to sow’ as to plant seeds. Throughout the holy scriptures, however, ‘sowing’ is used as a metaphor for a person’s actions and ‘reaping’ as the results of such actions.

Let’s look at 2 Biblical examples:

• “Those who sow to please their sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; those who sow to please the Spirit, from that Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:8
• “The wicked earn deceptive wages, but those who sow righteousness reap a sure reward.”  Proverbs 11:18

Is it not true, that most of us would like to think of ourselves as sowers with a good nature rather than with a deceptive nature?  That way, we would most likely always reap a just reward (outcome).  What could possibly hinder that line of thinking and cause our acts of generosity to go awry?

In a word… “YOU”!

Did you know that the wrong mindset we engage in prior to giving our gifts, talents or assistance to aide others can negate our good intentions?   Usually, mankind’s motives are guided by thoughts of; ‘don’t give out more than you can afford to lose’; or ‘if I do this, will the person appreciate it or better yet, pass it on’?

If we want to be followers of Christ, we must ditch those kinds of thoughts.  We must pick up the Banner that reads: ‘The more we give, the more He gives to you.’  ‘Plenteousness’ is God’s middle Name.  The authority God has given his Son is that the cattle on a thousand hills are His.  Therefore, Heaven’s resources never run out.  And as a child of the King, it is our inheritance, too.

I learned this lesson the hard way.

When I was about 12 years old, one summer I went to stay with my grandmother in another town.  She was so glad to see me and had stocked her cupboards with all my favorite foods. Grandmother went out of her way to entertain me.   She even made arrangements for her neighbor’s younger daughter to sleep over several nights just to keep me company.  But how did I repay her?

One day, my new friend and I were sitting on the front porch steps drinking Cokes. Just then, grandmother came out of the front screened door and approached me with a glass.  She asked me to share my drink with her.  Now, that was not something I wanted to do.  Nevertheless, I reluctantly took the glass and poured just a smidgen of Coke into it.  Grandmother said, ‘thank you very much’ and reached down and took the Coke bottle out of my hand instead of the glass.  She then turned and walked back into the house.  I was left with the smidgen.

The lesson I learned:  Those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly.  I soon realized that all summer long, grandmother was teaching me biblical principles without once lauding the Bible over my head.  What a wise and saintly woman I had the privilege to be akin to.

The takeaway of this blog is simply this:  A person’s giving to another is reminiscent of God’s giving us his energy, strength and resources.  Divine sources that will never be depleted.  Therefore, if we think of our giving in this manner, then we know with assurance our attitude in giving is based on the Character of Jesus Christ.  And whatever and whenever we offer anything to others it merely becomes an exchange rather than a depletion.  Our resources really have not gone anywhere even though it may seem like they have moved from one person to another. That’s the Law of Endless Giving. 

Scripture Lesson: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. 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.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-9a

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