We Reap what we Sow

 

It is a universal principle: we reap what we sow. In Hinduism, they call it karma. People generally know that we get what we deserve—eventually. In a corrupt world, some people get away with all sorts of evil and falsehood, but, as Martin Luther King put it, the moral universe is bent towards justice. The biblical hope is that God will eventually bring justice to this world. The principle of sowing and reaping is a universal principle the Bible affirms, yet there is also a beautiful promise that comes with it: those who sow with trees will reap with joy!

 

Paul wrote about the principle of sowing and reaping, a principle found in nature (Genesis 8:22). The seed carries the potential for a harvest. Human beings are conceived in a woman's womb by a man's seed. Naturally and spiritually speaking, we all reap what we sow—sooner or later. Justice and truth will prevail despite corruption and lies. Paul wrote of the principle of sowing and reaping in two contexts: financial generosity from a good heart (2 Corinthians 8—9) and moral conduct: either sinful or spiritual (Galatians 6:7-8). 

 

One reason evil spreads in our world is because people do evil things that multiply. It is the result of people's sinful action. We can use our free will to either do good or evil—the choice is ours, and the consequences, too. Some people think they can get away with irresponsible behaviour of play victim by blaming others. Life doesn't work that way. We will all reap what we sow. Hence, our words and actions are like seeds. ​

​

​

The Power of a Seed

 

A seed is a powerful part of God's creation. It is small, yet carries the life within it to bring forth great things. God's kingdom is compared to a seed (Matthew 13:31-32). We are encouraged to have faith like a mustard seed; tiny as it is, it has tremendous potential and power (Luke 17:6). Jesus placed this encouragement in the context of servanthood and humility (vv 5-10). Indeed, we are not to despise small things or humble beginnings (Zechariah 4:8-10). Our beginning may be small, but our end can be great (Job 8:7). Even a tree, when cut down, may sprout again (Job 14:7), speaking of hope for our lives when things look impossible. There is power in a seed. And we must sow seeds of hope for a better future. 

​

There is power in a seed. The farmer sows in hope and knows what harvest awaits him with patient work and proper care of his fields. The Word of God is a seed that grows in our hearts (Mark 4). Jesus compared His death on the cross with a seed dying yet bringing forth life (John 12:24). He took it to illustrated the power of laying down your earthly life in order to gain spiritual life and the blessing of being honoured by God as we serve Him (vv 25-26). Jesus' death was like a seed that brought forth life. He died yet rose again the third day. 

 

Even our tears are like seeds. The promise of Scripture is that those who sow with tears will reap with joy (Psalm 126:5). As we sow our seeds of hope with tears of pain we shall reap a harvest with joy (v 6). Is it a coincidence that tears are water? It takes water to make a seed sprout. We water the seeds of hope with our tears, trusting God for a harvest of joy. We don't stop dreaming of a better tomorrow. We build towards it as we invest and pursue our vision—even when it's painful. And since our words and deeds are like seed, we better sow good seed on good soil. Our hearts and minds have to be receptive for what is good, beautiful and pure (cf., Philippians 4:8). We are to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). Our tears water the seed sown in our hearts. God promises a good harvest.

​