Sow Your Seed by Dr. Gary G. Hoag

Our Call to Sow and Reap

Most people understand the concept of sowing and reaping, as it is a worldwide practice.

In South America, sowers plant fruit trees in rows on hillsides in the Andes Mountains. Then, in Central America, coffee growers plant half of the coffee seeds they harvest to ensure sustainable farming. Asian farmers labor in damp fields to grow rice for food. In Europe, farmers sow grain to reap a harvest and make bread. In Africa, it takes courage to sow because crops require rain, which comes only sporadically and unpredictably. And in America, our soil produces enough to nourish our nation and have a surplus to share with the hungry of the world.

Because almost everyone understands the idea of sowing, the Scriptures use it as a metaphor for eternal truths. I believe Solomon shares three timeless and timely messages in one verse about sowing.

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”

Ecclesiastes 11:6

Take them to heart and share them widely.

Sow Day and Night

Though we live in a world filled with uncertainty, we do well to sow day and night!

On a trip to Kansas, I noticed large tractors with headlights working in the fields well into the night. Soon thereafter, I met up with a farmer and asked him about what I saw. He said, “When it’s time to sow, we get out there and sow, day or night, because weird things can happen that can keep us from planting. If we don’t get the crop in, we can’t reap a harvest. Simple as that!” He’s right. Weird stuff happens. We live in a world filled with uncertainty.

When times are wild, we feel tempted to hoard what we have or to sow only in one place. While everyone wonders (and tries to predict) what will happen next, Solomon offers sound advice with more accuracy than a weatherman and more precision than a farmer’s almanac: sow. Sow day and night because you do not know what work you do will bear fruit.

Sowing, of course, is a metaphor for deeper spiritual realities. In Mark 4, Jesus urges us to sow the Word of God in people’s lives. Though we may never see the fruit of this labor or it may take years to produce, we must not lose heart or focus. Sow the Word of God in the lives of those around you. This represents the first kind of sowing everyone can do!

Sow What You Have

Each person must take responsibility for sowing what they have.

Notice the Scripture reads: “sow your seed.” Each person reading this article should not worry about the seed you don’t have, but sow the seed you do have. Consider this idea about financial giving, regardless of your level of wealth.

In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul exhorts the Corinthians (and each of us) to sow, that is, share some of the financial resources God has entrusted to us with those in need within the body of Christ. Elsewhere, we see the poor and needy named recipients of our generous giving. Eugene Peterson captures this idea plainly in The Message.

“Do what you can, not what you can’t.”

2 Corinthians 8:12

To think biblically and broadly, consider sharing from your income and assets as well.

Take out a sheet of paper and list what God has supplied, from your salary to your stuff. Include your income and both cash and non-cash assets. Commit today to give from your income regularly to your church and other ministries. If you already do, consider increasing your giving this year. As for your belongings, consider sharing some of them with those in need. Transfer some of the things you possess to your local church or a local charity. Put those resources to work. Don’t fall into the trap of letting your hands be idle! Sow through generous giving today. Why?

No Sowing, No Reaping

You cannot reap an abundant harvest if you don’t sow!

Seed kept in a barn will not produce a harvest. You must sow it to help it fulfill its purpose. And, if you rank among the followers of Christ, you possess yet another kind of seed. Peter reminds us in Ecclesiastes 11:6 that our God-given talents and spiritual gifts have been entrusted to us to serve others. When we sow ourselves in service, we reflect the love of Christ and bring him glory regardless of our ability to articulate the gospel or our capacity to make financial gifts. Sow yourself today.

In an uncertain world, Solomon stated one thing with certainty: Sow what you have, day and night. Solomon was wise. He knew what happens when you sow what you have: you reap abundantly. Become a sower today! Freely sow the Word of God in the lives of those around you, give generously from what you have, and voluntarily serve others using your gifts.

Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D., serves as the President & CEO of GTP. In obedient service to Jesus Christ, GTP multiplies faithful stewards and mobilizes peer accountability groups (such as ECFA) to build trust and grow local giving to God’s work. To learn more, visit gtp.org.

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