Seed Sowers
Seed Sowers
“He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Everyone must give according to what he has inwardly decided; not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver… He supplies seed for the sower. He will provide bread for the eater in abundance. He will multiply the seed you sow and increase your generous yield… Generous, free, cheerful giving comes from an attitude of gratitude for a life of abundance. When we hold an image of God as the giver of all and an image of self as the recipient of God’s gifts, we see the abundance in our lives that makes us long to give out of gratitude.” (“God Loves a Cheerful Giver”, Stewardship Office, 2008)
Positive results are not always guaranteed with ministry, parenthood, teaching or discipleship, professional counseling or coaching or advisorship. “Sowers” are not the only influence on people. There is the community, friends, mass or social media or even cult leaders. The case of Judas is an example where under the constant and direct influence of an exemplary sower, the Son of God Himself, he still ended up not so well.
We have to keep on sowing as best and much as we can. Despite some inevitable losses, the work is well worth doing. The return on sowing far outweighs the loss of seeds. The results cited in the parable are characteristically high for Palestinian soil.
To sow the seeds even if we consciously realize that we won’t see the results in our lifetime is a sign of personal maturity.
Three dispositions are basic:
- real eagerness to study and understand the Word of God.
- readiness to pay the cost of discipleship or stewardship whatever it might be
- firm intention to give God the top priority in our lives.
Healing Corner. As we enter the summer months, let’s remember to keep our cool and seek the sustenance of Jesus. Extra demands on our lives can lead to a buildup of stress. The kids want entertainment and need looking after for more hours of the day, our finances may be stretched to the limit and our patience in coping with extra house guests may wear thin. Whatever the strain, remember any form of abusive retaliation as a means to cope will not solve the issue. No matter what anyone in your family does, they NEVER DESERVE ABUSE! If you have concerns about anger or aggression in your family, seek help. Have a happy and safe summer!