Command 13 : Lay Up Treasures | Day 86

Purpose to Be a Sower!

Each time I heard a pastor read II Corinthians 9:7, I assumed that it referred to how much I decided to put in the offering plate that day. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." However, this passage has a far greater application than just one offering. It speaks of a way of life—the dynamic life of the "sower." The context begins with the laws of the harvest: "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully" (verse 6). With this background, God invites us to purpose in our hearts to be sowers and determine how great a harvest we want to reap.

God gives sowers sufficient "bread money" and also "seed money" for sowing. He will then multiply the sowers' seed money.

This marvelous truth is corrupted by those who teach that if we give to God, He will return money for our wants. A sower must be content with "food and clothing." He should be excited about sowing for a growing harvest so that God will multiply "the fruit of our righteousness," which is the eternal thanksgiving to God of those who receive His provisions through us.

My first experience with this phenomenon came as a young teenager. A speaker challenged me to determine an amount of money over and above my expected income that I would then give to God's work. I wrote down an amount that seemed large. Every month, God provided that amount, often in unexpected ways. Then at the end of the year, He gave back to me double the amount I had given. (This became new seed money!)

If we focus on our needs, we will always be needy, but if we focus on sowing, we will always have what is sufficient for our needs.

Being a sower of the funds that God provides for "every good work" demonstrates the powerful cycle of God's grace. First, God gives grace (charis) to us. Then, we are to be channels of His grace to others through gifts (charisma), including monetary gifts. Others then give thanksgiving to God for His grace in us (Eucharist). Their praise to God will continue throughout eternity as the fruit of our righteousness. Paul states, “As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.” (See II Corinthians 9:8-9.)

Another amazing thing often happens. God prompts others to replenish our supply of seed. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38).

One day I read the account of a man who advertised in his local paper that if anyone had a small bill they could not pay, he would take care of it. Poor people responded, and soon word got out about his giving. Others then began sending him thousands of dollars to use wisely for needy families!

Have you purposed to be a sower? Are you enjoying the power of God's provision by His grace through your life? How much of your money is actually "seed money"? Let's all purpose to be mighty sowers!