“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NLT
Paul leans into his treatise on cheerful giving by noting an everyday example to the agrarian culture. In farming, we see that a crop yield is directly tied to the amount of work the farmer puts in. This seems so obvious a logic. Coupled with the idea that we get our farming supply from God’s grace, it would seem the recipe for success in resources is clear. Yet, many Christians do not understand this concept, even if they understand God’s grace. They cannot be bothered to lift a finger to help those around them, preferring for others to come beg from them. They do not follow the analogy of working hard to give, as farming, and so they wonder why it is that they never reap a harvest. Paul explains that it’s not magical. It is a common sense thing. Work hard to give cheerfully and from what you have and you always be able to give and you will always have. If you do not have anything to give and are constantly seeking to gain and gather, perhaps you are not working hard as you should. Perhaps you should apply the common sense wisdom of the simple farmer and then you will receive your just reward. Too many Christians act entitled to a certain way of things working but fail to understand that things only work as intended with God. Selfishness sows selfish crop. We should not be surprised if that is what we reap, when that is exactly what we have planted.
JOSH McGARY. COM 