Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “A life that matters”
Our Bible verse for today: “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.
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT)
Our thought for today: “Give generously of yourself.”
This morning in my quiet time and Bible study I came upon Paul’s lesson in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 about sowing and reaping. His lesson was specifically about being generous in our giving to good causes and to others in need, but it occurred to me that the principle can easily be applied to all of life. In fact, as we continue to consider how we will invest our time in 2017 – the goals we will set, the plans we will make, and the activities we will engage in, I want to challenge you to consider the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping with respect to how much of yourself you will give to other people.
Today is the day after Thanksgiving and so the rush to Christmas is in full swing. That brought to my mind the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Ebenezer was a highly successful man in many respects. He was a successful business owner, he had lots of money, and he had power and influence. But he was also miserly and miserable. Despite his achievements and possessions, his was a lonely, closed-in, and sad life. His world was small and dark and it was his own fault. He jealously horded not only his wealth and his possessions, but he horded himself and kept himself from other people.
Well, you know the story. Ebenezer eventually discovered that when he opened himself up to other people and gave away not only some of his wealth, but some of himself, his life blossomed. Suddenly the sun was shining, the birds were singing, people were smiling – and Ebenezer himself was smiling! It was in giving himself away that he truly began to live. It was the law of sowing and reaping in action. The more he gave away, the more he got in return! The more he planted into the lives of others, the richer and happier his own life became.
What was true for Ebenezer Scrooge can be true for you too. Paul’s lesson in 2 Corinthians 9:6 pertains to giving generously of your money, but more importantly it pertains to giving generously of yourself. The more you are willing to sow into the lives of others – the more you do for others, the more you serve others, the more you consider the needs of others, the more your own life will blossom. The more we sow into the lives of others, the fuller and richer our own lives will be.
When it comes to living a life that really matters – a life that honors the Lord, makes a difference for the cause of Christ, and which is a blessing to others, the law of sowing and reaping is a Biblical principle we must know and live. That being the case, we will think about it some more tomorrow. Until then, I urge you to consider making a goal to serve more and to serve better in 2017. Your own life will be better and fuller and happier as a result.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 