The Sowing of the Faithful

2 Corinthians 9:6 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

What is it that sets apart those who produce good fruit comparative to those who produce bad fruit?

Does one have good seed and another bad seed. Is one field well watered and the other left parched and dry? Is the preparation of the field left to chance or is the field plowed and the rocks removed?

Any farmer would answer yes to most of these. Without the preparation, the seeds fall on hard soil. Without the water, the roots wither and die. Without pure seed, the weeds invade the crop and corrupt it.

Such is the Kingdom of God.

When examining the product of good works, we witness elements of faithfulness that determines the quality of the work.

Good Seed

Focusing on the one doing the sowing is a good place to start. What does it take to be a good sower in God’s Kingdom?

It is for faithful believers.

Many of those who know the Word of God might hear the concept of seed and immediately reflect on Jesus’ teaching in the gospels. Jesus revealed how the good seed in the Kingdom of God was likened to the gospel, given to those who do not know the Lord. There were elements to His teaching that lead to a bountiful crop and other elements that lead to a failure of the crop. Rocks, parched ground, shallow soil, or thorns choked out the seed and ruined the crop. When the soil is well prepared, the rocks removed, and the thorns pulled up, we witness the beauty of what faithfulness looks like.

The good seed of the Gospel is a key element in God’s Kingdom, it is what He has called believers to scatter and when faithfully completed, it yields a great crop of new believers.

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we witness the church ministering to the needs of others.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

The seed Paul speaks of is in regard to the giving of funds for the needs of others. Paul likened their generosity to seeds of righteousness given from their abundance.

Many things in life mirror the principles found in God’s Kingdom.

2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

The Lord always leads the way. Whatever He calls His people to do, He does it first. He gives us examples in how to follow as He leads. He likewise transforms the heart so that it is prepared for the work. He provides the seed for the sower and reveals His glory to those in whom it is given. He does it all.

2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

Jesus didn’t possess much money when He ministered on Earth, and yet the poor received in abundance. What did He possess that He gave?

• He healed the sick
• He gave sight to the blind
• He taught and gave forth knowledge
• He fed the hungry
• He lavished love upon a people walking in darkness
• He showed compassion and mercy
• He ultimately gave His life

True love isn’t just handing out money, but for some, that is the best way they know how to give. God takes the gifts and produces a great harvest.

What seed has God given you? Are you hoarding it in greed, or do you bless others with what God has given?

2 Corinthians 9:10 “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”

Blessing Returned

When the faithfulness of the saints is complete, the ones giving the blessings are in turn blessed.

There is an old adage that says “It is better to give than receive”. It was something I would hear from my parents as a child but didn’t make much sense until I got older.

Receiving gifts is nice, but watching a life be lifted up from a blessing you gave is far more rewarding. I’ve been on both sides of the giving and I can testify, giving is far more enriching.

2 Corinthians 9:11 “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God”

The joy that arises when a gift is given at the right time is priceless. When the sower has been diligent to give God the glory, thanksgiving arises to the Heavens and the Lord is pleased.

What better way to honor God than take part in praises returning to Him. Others will testify of your faithfulness by the praises that arise to Heavens throne. You may not get much glory now, but to stand before the Creator and receive honor will be worth more than anything this world can provide.

2 Corinthians 9:12-14 “For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.”

All good works comes from God. All good seed is supplied by Him. The steward of God’s Creation recognizes the owner, and gives Him the glory.

There are many kinds of seeds. It may be the wisdom God has given you, it could be the strength of your body, or a caring spirit that sows into the lives of others. What has God given you to sow?

What you have is not your own. What God gives is meant to be given away. Not randomly but purposefully. The Spirit of God leads and His people follow, both in receiving and in service.

2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”

With a heart of love, by the gifts He provides, the sower scatters abundantly and the Lord is glorified. Walk in the abundance of His love and be enriched as you sow.