Farmer or Miner? The concept of sowing and reaping is an important aspect of giving. Unfortunately, it has become so distorted in recent years that many people have missed out on the intended meaning. Look at what the apostle Paul says about the law of harvest--and notice how the emphasis is on giving, not on receiving: 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 make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Dont give reluctantly or in a response to pressure. For God loves the 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. ... For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously (2 Cor. 9:6-11, NLT). Have you ever met a farmer? He prepares the ground, plants the seeds, tends the crop, prays for sun and rain--and no matter what happens, he will plant again. If he gets droughted out, hailed out, stormed out or stomped out, hes still going to plant again. Why? Hes a farmer, not a miner. A miner seeks to extract resources for his own benefit, and if he doesnt succeed, he abandons the mine, whereas a farmer continually invests in the ground, improving it and trusting God for the increase. In addition, not all farmers yield the same amount of crops. One of the huge deceptions in some personal prosperity teaching is the notion that everybody is going to have a big house, big car or big income. This concept promotes a sameness mentality, and it simply is not scriptural. No two farmers get exactly the same amount of rain and exactly the same yield in their crops. In fact, godly farmers may not have as good a harvest as their ungodly neighbors. It happens! Some people--even righteous individuals--will be tested. They may seem to have problems, challenges and pressures that others dont battle. Through lifes challenges, the Lord often gives people an opportunity to share a powerful testimony that will minister to others. Where is your heart? If youre just looking for a return, youre a miner. God wants us to be farmers for kingdom purposes. If you are faithful, Scripture says in due season you will reap a harvest. So dont get tired of doing what is good. Dont get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time (Gal. 6:9, NLT).
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 07:20:17 +0000
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