I was speaking at a conference and after my session I was approached by a young man, who had been obviously touched by the Spirit and asked me this question, “How do I get into doing the things of God, how do I get going in this life”. I knew he was meaning how do I start doing the work of God, how do I use my life for Jesus. I responded with one simple word “SOW”. He instantly said he was going to sow some money into my ministry, however that was not what I meant.
While ministry support is always welcomed, I went on trying to explain what I meant, which was “sow his life”. I was instructing him to give away of his life for Jesus and His Kingdom. Now please hear my heart in this matter. While the systematic giving of one’s finances is sowing, it is only a part. Knowing how to give your life away for the Lord and His cause, to serve anyone in need, whether you like it or not, and especially whether you want to or not, is what I am referring to in my statement, sow. Learning to look for the opportunities and knowing how to give your life away sets up amazing events to bring forth the life of Jesus.
Much of the time this word sow is over emphasized with the giving of money within the Christian community. So much so, we may have forgotten sowing covers all areas of life, not just your finances. Again, no question about the sowing of your finances being a solid biblical truth and we should be givers in this area. However, the Bible is clear, so a man sows so a man reaps and this covers all areas of one’s life.
Galatians 6:7-10 ‘Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers). ‘ AMP
In these scriptures Paul was referencing to be careful as to not sow to the flesh, carnal life, worldliness, thinking of self, living life by following your sinful nature and not God’s Spirit. When we see someone living a life of sin we do not instantly think they are sowing their money wrong. No, instead we think they are living wrong. We can see by the fruit of their life they are sowing the wrong things. If what they are sowing is selfishness, worldliness and sin, they will reap the consequences of this into their life.
Whether a Christian or not, everyone will reap what they sow. No one gets out of this principle who lives on this earth. This simple rule, you sow you reap covers all of life on this planet. This is the way God set up life on this earth. Everyone living on the earth is under God’s system of sowing and reaping. It doesn’t matter if the person is a Christian or not.
This scripture in Gal.6, reveals this truth, but He also states how we should be sowing. We should take the opportunities to do good to others, especially other Christians. Doing good to others is sowing your life. So is encouraging other believers, helping them succeed in life. Covering other believers in prayer is sowing. Praying for non-christians is sowing. Just in general being helpful and kind, doing what you can to assist others for their good is sowing. This is how you give your life away. God wants us to sow the right things with our life, because He knows our life will benefit greatly by doing this. He wants us reaping a Spiritual life, one linked to His eternal realm.
Look at this next scripture.
Luke 6:37-38 “ Do not judge [others self-righteously], and you will not be judged; do not condemn [others when you are guilty and unrepentant], and you will not be condemned [for your hypocrisy]; pardon [others when they truly repent and change], and you will be pardoned [when you truly repent and change]. [Matt 7:1-5] Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”
Again, Here in these scriptures Jesus is addressing the way we treat others. He is not referring to money. He specifically states that we should do good to others. Here in these scriptures before verse 37, He speaks of family and forgiveness. These are things you sow. How you treat others is something you sow.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 [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. NIV
Paul is referring to the giving of finances but look at the principles he brings out about sowing. These are truths in giving and not just with finances.
1. If you sow generously, this will be the measure by which you will reap. Scriptures in Luke state the same.
2. God loves a cheerful giver, when we sow or give away from ourselves, attitude is everything. Whatever we are sowing, do we have a cheerful heart attitude?
3. Whatever is being sown with the right attitude. God makes sure it comes back to us or that we reap the same back except in greater quantity. This helps to keep us in a right relationship with Him.
4. When we sow from the right heart attitude, it causes others to Thank God. Others look at God as the one who helped them. The giving away of our life will bring glory to God.
Just about all these deal with the attitude of heart and motive for sowing. Our attitude is something we sow as well. So when you hear the word sow or give, think about your whole life, all areas of your life and your attitude toward these areas.
Can you give your time, other resources, tangible possessions someone may be in need of, or your enthusiasm, energy/physical strength in helping others and the attitude by which you do this?
Always be willing to check your mental disposition in helping others. According to scripture we will reap in these areas as well.
Next time you sow with your finances ask yourself if you are showing in all areas of your life as well. Finances are just a part. Money is just a part of the whole understanding in giving away your life.
So, returning to the beginning, how do you get involved in what God is doing right now, how do you get into doing the works of God? Sow your life. The one who knows how to sow their life God will always use to bring His Kingdom here on earth.
Proverbs 11:25 Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor. TPT
