Stewardship is . . . Sowing Generously.

Planting seeds and watching them grow is fun. If you have ever planted a garden you know that sometimes some of the seeds do not germinate and sprout. In order to make sure that enough plants grow, you plant several seeds. Farmers understand this same principle and thus they plant generously to make sure they have an abundant crop.

It should not surprise us that this concept of planting generously is not new. The Apostle Paul tells us, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

When Paul wrote these words to the Corinthians he was not speaking of planting crops, rather, he was speaking of the stewardship habits of the Corinthians. Remembering the truth that we cannot out give God, it makes sense then that if we give only a little, then we will be given only a little. When we give a lot, generously, then the Lord blesses that giving and we reap generously.

Interestingly enough, Paul wrote these words to a group of people who were eager to give. As a matter of fact, their enthusiasm to give and their generosity stirred others around them into action. “For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action” (2 Corinthians 9:2).

Our Lord gives to us all His good gifts and blessings. The Holy Spirit working through the means of grace stirs in us to see His giving and to respond to His giving by our own giving. We pray that our giving may stir still others into action. To God be the glory.

38 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs