In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good. Ecclesiastes 11:6 ESV
It takes about two weeks for most seeds to germinate, while other seeds can take much longer. Seeds should sprout within a month of planting when sown in the right conditions. These conditions include the right temperature, the right amount of exposure to sunlight, the right amount of water and oxygen levels, and the structure of the soil.
We all sow seeds daily. Every action and decision, conversation, and expression is a form of seed sowing. Some people sow seeds of spiritual fruitfulness more than others by reading God’s word daily and praying fervently. Others sow seeds of joy, peace, and love in their actions and interactions with others. Some people sow seeds of financial success by the way they steward their finances.
We can also sow seeds of good health by eating a healthy diet and exercising daily. Parents sow seeds in the life of their children by investing in their education. Those who care for the poor and needy are sowing seeds of kindness and generosity for which God promised a great reward.
But not all seeds sown are positive. Some people sow seeds of wickedness through their unjust acts. This country is reaping the harvest of gun violence, political sectarianism, and the scourge of overt racism against people of color because of the seeds of violence that were sown during slavery. The seeds of racism, classism, and sexism that have been sown through the years have exacerbated this country’s divisiveness and worsened the disparity between the rich and the poor.
In today’s text, the wisdom writer exhorts us to sow our seeds in the morning and to maintain a generous spirit throughout the day. For we can only reap if we planted seeds. Thus, the Bible teaches, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure, you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38. Moreover, Proverbs 11:24-25 states, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6. Those who sow sparingly on their relationship with God may not experience the fullness of God and walk in the power of His joy. Sowing bountifully in a life of prayer increases our spiritual stamina and gives us spiritual confidence to wage spiritual warfare against the devil and his demons.
In the parable of the Sower, Jesus talked about the farmer who went out to sow seeds. As he was scattering the seeds, some fell along the path and the birds came and ate them. Some fell on rocky ground and were easily scorched by the sun. Other seeds fell among thorns and were choked by them. “Still, other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:1-8). The relevant question from this parable is where are you sowing your seeds? Jesus cautioned His disciples to sow their seeds in the kingdom of God so they can reap a heavenly harvest of eternal salvation.
As you go through the year 2023, be an intentional seed, Sower. The best investment we can make is in the kingdom of God. We can only get a harvest of spiritual fruitfulness by sowing seeds of holiness, godliness, and service to Almighty God.
Questions for Personal Reflection
What seeds are you going to sow today in the life of others?
What are the benefits of sowing spiritual seeds?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, please help me to sow seeds of righteousness in the life of others as I go throughout this day and this year. Please grant me the wisdom to sow seeds of truth, justice, and love throughout my ministry and service to your kingdom.
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