Both Jesus and the inspired words of the Bible use illustrations that people were sure to identify with in order to teach them an eternal truth.  Oftentimes these illustrations came back to the idea of spreading seed or of cultivating and growing, since the populace was based on agriculture by and large.  One such illustration is used with regards to our giving, and is found in Paul’s writings to the church at Corinth.

            In the instructions for giving that were communicated by Paul, we find that we are to lay by and store as we have been prospered on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2).  Later Paul also states that as we sow we also shall reap, and the Lord loves one who gives cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:6-7).  Paul tells us that if we will sow bountifully, then we will reap bountifully.

            Let us consider for a moment this idea of sowing and reaping.  Many take the first part of the command to give (give as you have prospered) to mean that they can sow sparingly.  However, God’s word tells us that he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.  If we truly want to prosper, we should be sowing much instead of little.  Imagine that a farmer looks at his fields and thinks to himself that as soon as that bumper crop comes in, he will go out and sow some seed.  Well, we all know that it doesn’t work that way.

            If we truly wish to reap much, especially in the next life, then we need to get busy with sowing much while we have the opportunity.  With regards to our giving we should give so that we can prosper, and not wait for that prosperity to come first.