Sowing and reaping. It’s a Kingdom of God principle.
There are many kinds of references to sowing and reaping in the Bible. Go on, do a quick internet search and see how many! You might also note there are many different contexts for the teaching regarding how we might best live and be fruitful and healthy in this life.
In layman’s terms I think of it like this; what you put in determines what you get out.
You can consider this with your finances, for sure it applies. Saving and giving are both financial disciplines that reap a reward.
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. (Malachi 3:10)
What about how you treat others?
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6: 7-9
So, too, it is with church. A long time before we became church leaders our family has chosen to serve the local church. This started from a desire to join with others and quickly we realised how much we received so much more in return from our church environment. As I said earlier, what you put in to a relationship determines what you receive in return.
If I had a dollar for every time someone complained to me they weren’t getting any value from church… well, I’d have lots of coins to share! But in every case I have assessed that these people were consumers and not contributors. Of course, the Kingdom of God principle has already determined they will receive no value because they have invested nothing.
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
Have a think about this; what am I sowing into my local church?
Blessings,
Phil