SOW AS YOU GO

"In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." - Ecclesiastes 11:6

I have to admit that I am not a very good gardener.  When I was growing up, our family had a garden.  Our garden was on a hillside, planted in poor soil.  Looking back, it is amazing that we were able to grow anything. 

Often the Bible allegorically refers to life as a garden.  You and I are here to tend this garden.  Our actions and words are the seeds that we sow.  Too many people sow haphazardly.  Others sow wild oats & then pray for crop failure on judgment day.

Solomon was the wisest man of his time.  The Bible allows us to glean from Solomon's wisdom, especially in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.  In Ecclesiastes 11:6, Solomon wrote, "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."  From this verse of Scripture, we learn the value of sowing good seed every day.

1.  SOW CORRECTLY

First of all, we need to sow the right seed.  There is no way around this elementary truth.  John Maxwell once wrote, "If you don't like the harvest you are reaping, change the seed you are sowing." 

The kind of seed you sow is vital.  Sowing the wrong seed always leads to a devastating harvest.  Paul wrote, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."  Some live and work deceptively.  Many are hypocrites.  Sowing in secret doesn't change the fact that a harvest is coming and often it is a visible harvest.  Ultimately, everyone will stand before God.  Be careful what you sow, because a harvest is guaranteed.

What should a Christian sow with his life?  First of all, we should sow good works.  I don't believe in salvation by works, but I do believe that salvation should produce works.  If you are a Christian, God intends for you to live a life of good works.  Paul wrote, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10).  Although we live in an evil world, Paul instructed us to, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

Secondly, we can sow our wealth.  I'm not advocating the prosperity Gospel that is popular on television.  However, the Bible does say much about giving.  In the context of financial giving, Paul wrote, "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6).  Jesus said, "But when thou doest alms (giving), let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."  The Bible does not say that if you give financially, you'll receive a BMW or a brand new mansion in Beverly Hills.  However, God promises to reward you for your giving. 

Finally, sow the Word.  In the parable of the sower, Jesus taught us that when a sower went forth sowing seed, the seed fell on different types of soil ... which led to different results.  When Jesus explained His parable, He said that, "The seed is the Word of God," (Luke 8:11).  The Psalmist wrote, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him," (Psalm 126:5-6).  When a believer sows the Word of God as he meets people, that seed sinks into the soil of the listener's heart.  I believe that the soul winner's greatest harvest awaits him in heaven!

Sow the right kind of seed and you'll experience a glorious harvest!

2.  SOW CONTINUALLY

The second principle we learn is very simple:  sow continually.  Our text teaches us that we should sow as we go.  Every day is an opportunity to sow in people's lives.  Don't just sow occasionally --- sow continually!

3.  SOW GENEROUSLY

Also, sow generously.  The more you sow, the greater the harvest.  Don't be stingy with the seed God entrusted to you.  Keep in mind that seed in the hand never produces a harvest.  It must be sown.  Our text from Ecclesiastes basically teaches us to sow generously, because you never know what may happen as you scatter the seed. 

4.  SOW EXPECTANTLY

Finally, sow expectantly.  Paul wrote, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not," (Galatians 6:9).  A harvest is guaranteed for those who sow.  Sow correctly.  Sow continually.  Sow generously.  One day, a harvest will come.

Sometimes we can to enjoy a harvest here on earth.  The most important harvest is just ahead.  God will reward His faithful servants.  Not one of His faithful servants will be disappointed on that day.

Based upon the last few years, do you have confidence that a great harvest lies ahead for you?  If not, this would be a great time to change course and start sowing correctly.

We will reap what we sow.  Sow correctly.  Sow continually.  Sow generously.  Sow expectantly.

Harvest time is coming.