Sow and Reap: Plant to Get a Harvest

In the natural world, no harvest appears without an intentional act of sowing. Scripture applies this simple agricultural principle to every area of life: what we plant – in our actions, words and priorities – determines what we eventually reap. This article explores the principles of sowing and reaping, and the condition of heart in which God’s Word grows.

Sowing Is an Act of Faith

Before the ingathering of a crop there is an intentional sowing; this act of faith forms the foundation for what comes after, for the harvest is a multiplication of the seed sown. Often there is a considerable time delay between sowing and reaping, but unless there is major interference, a crop will result. In our lives we determine the kind of harvest we receive, and the quantity of it.

Sowing is an act of faith, reaping is the consequence

What kind of harvest do you want to reap? Then sow seeds fitting for that harvest – it is unrealistic to think we can gather a good crop from corrupt seed, or one kind of crop from a completely different plant to what was sown (Lk 6:43-45). The principle of cause and effect indicates that the consequences of our actions have a cumulative ability that will result in an outcome determined largely by the input.

Principles of Sowing

1/. “A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature reaps destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Gal 6:7-10). It is a divine principle that we will ultimately reap the consequences of what we have sown, if not in this life certainly in the next.

As you have done, it will be done to you – Obadiah 1:15

“Those who sow trouble reap it...Those who dig a pit fall into it” (Job 4:8; Prov 26:27). As believers we should sow into the Kingdom of God, for it too will produce a harvest for eternity (Jn 4:35-36). Even God said, “My Word will produce and accomplish what I desire” (Isa 55:10-11). This positive declaration is made by God who can never lie (Num 23:19).

2/. The outcome of sowing generously produces plenty, while stinginess results in a small return. “Give generously, for your good works and gifts will return to you later” (Eccl 11:1). Give and it shall be given unto you. With the measure in which we give will be the measure we receive back – give little and receive little back, but giving much will result in a liberal return (Lk 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6).

Your willingness or reluctance to sow bountifully indicates whether you hold God and His promises in high esteem.

3/. Never underestimate the power of the seed; increase is a divine principle in both the natural and spiritual world – the smallest mustard seed can become a great tree (Mk 4:26-28,31-32). The spread of the church over some twenty centuries points to this.

4/. Sowing requires effort – clearing the ground and breaking up the soil. Sowing spiritually also requires preparation. The greater the input and effort in ministering the love of Christ, the greater the rejoicing and reward when lives are transformed (Lk 15:7).

5/. Sowing requires faith and patience. Good, strong plants require considerable effort and consistent attention over a period of time to develop their full potential. This is especially applicable to raising our children ‘in the fear and nurture of the Lord’. Weeds (undesirable qualities) will reproduce unassisted and need to be dealt with. We can’t blame children for their faults – where did they pick these habits up? God says the sins of the parents are passed down through the family line, as also are the blessings for obedience (Ex 20:5-6).

6/. Those who sow in tears shall reap with joy (Ps 126:5-6). The reward comes to those who persist.

Often with evangelism, although we may sow in one area and another gathers in that soul, and we reap where we have not directly sown, we are to rejoice together in the lives saved, and will have our share in the eternal reward (1 Sam 30:24; Jn 4:37-38; 1 Cor 3:6-9).

The Condition of the Soil

In the parable of the sower, not all the seed sown achieved its intended purpose; however this was not due to any fault of the seed – it was the condition of the soil that determined what happened (Mt 13:3-23). As the soil is likened to the condition of our heart, we need to take responsibility for our spiritual condition (Prov 4:26; Hos 10:12; Mt 7:24-27; 1 Cor 3:10-15). Is my heart uncluttered by the things of this world, open to God, and providing a receptive fertile environment for His Word to grow and so produce a bountiful crop of righteousness?

Do I make His Kingdom the centre of my life, for we are to have no other Gods before Him? In the Old Testament God challenged the people that they were not making His concerns their number one priority (Ex 20:3; Hag 1:4-11). The New Testament states, “Seek first God’s Kingdom then all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33).

Reflection and Application:

Decide now the harvest you want to reap, and sow seed to match it.
Sow generously – the measure you give determines the measure you receive back.
Persist in faith and patience; the reward comes to those who endure.
Keep the soil of your heart open and receptive to God’s Word.