A Law We Can’t Ignore
David M. Schmaltz
If someone were to ask me which principle or biblical truth do I see as the most impacting to my life, I would have to say it is the Law of Reciprocity. This is better known as the Law of Sowing and Reaping. Why? Because it truly affects everything that we do.
Jesus taught on this principle and Paul did too.
Faithfulness opens the door to reaping. We ignore this to our own hurt.
For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. Matt. 25:29
Sowing greater seed makes sense. The more we sow, the more we receive. God takes the seed and makes it grow in abundance.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And 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. 2 Cor. 9:6-8
By working with God in this Kingdom principle, we will always have what we need. Those who ignore actually become the suppliers for those who do honor God.
To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. Ecc. 2:26
This principle works in the negative as well. If we sow weeds or sinful behavior including unfaithfulness with what God has given us, then struggle awaits us.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal. 6:7,8
You will notice that Paul includes the Holy Spirit in this teaching because it is often the Spirit that moves us to those moments of incredible reaping and sowing opportunities. You see, God wants us to prosper in every way. (3 Jn. 1:2) But, it always comes through sacrifice, obedience, and surrender. Apply "sowing and reaping" to the following experiences you have:
-What you say with your mouth and speak over people.
-How you treat strangers. How you treat food servers or anyone whose job it is to help you.
-What you think of people in your heart.
-Expectation is invitation. We invite what we believe and expect. Blessings? Curses? “Bad luck? Murphy’s Law? Abundance?
-Your money. Do you practice the spiritual discipline of honoring God with the wealth that He gives you? Tithing? How about the health that He has given you so that you can receive wealth? Do you honor Him for that?
-Do you give to the poor? Do you sacrifice your time for the Kingdom of God that is not for you, but for others?
Additionally, when it comes to sowing, keep these things in mind:
What am I sowing? Is it good, or is it bad?
How much am I sowing? Because I can expect to receive an equal or exponential return on what I am sowing. God says 30, 60, 100 fold. That is an amazing percentage on an investment.
Am I sowing my seed of time, energy, gifts, and money into good soil? You can expect a great harvest. Soil= people, events, the Church, missions, or anything Kingdom-focused. Just remember, that if you do sow to evil – the return just may be the same.
I have watched God bless me so many times that this law is unquestionably real in every conceivable way. I have also seen the consequence of ignoring this law. Things do get sideways, and one just has to go back to what Jesus teaches. There is always forgiveness and failure is not fatal. Failure is just another life lesson to get it right the next time.
So, where are you? Embracing this powerful law? Or are you hoping that God will ignore your disinterest in how the Kingdom works?
Remember, you are acquiring, building, gathering either for your great blessings OR you gathering it for someone else. Ouch!
One last thought. I know I am a selfish rascal. Selfishness is the root of my sin. Learning to obediently embrace these truths is one of the surest ways to grow in one's love for God and love for people. In other words, the way that God measures spiritual maturity.
Sowing and reaping just works!
Pastor David
