Seed for Sowers

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV) God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

I read somehwere, "sufficiency" here means: "adequate resources within." What a great life that would be! How does it happen?

First, you learn how to sow! Because God gives to those who know how to give. I didn't say it, Paul said it under inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 9:10 (NLT) God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

God gives seed to farmers. Are you a farmer or a hoarder? Are you eating the seed you should be planting or are you faithful to do what God does with what God gives?

God is a giver. He gives seed. We often don't think of money this way. But Paul does. Paul is using a host of agricultural illusions for his appeal to generosity. Money is a seed to be sown into the field precious to God, the field of souls. 

There is no doubt the promise to give to others in this passage is for increased resources. But its more than that...

2 Corinthians 9:11 (NLT) Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

Paul is talking to wealthy people. This is no get-rich quick scheme. It's a call to faithful admission that all we have comes from the Father and we are managers, farmers and workers in His field. The Corinthians didn't need more money, they needed more of God, for sure! 

When anyone reads this passage, they have to ask: "Is there a connection between generosity and life enrichment?" And the question is a resounding yes! There is enrichment in EVERY way, as Paul declares. 

So often we try to find enrichment from purchasing something new. It lifts our spirits for a while, but doesn't really help in the long run. A new house is new responsibilities. A new car is a new worry. A new computer will soon be a very old run down computer.  These items are wonderful in many ways, but generosity is the difference maker. It's to know you aren't living for yourself alone any more. Someone else is benefiting from your existence. Christ is being thanked because of you! What a privilege.

PRAYER:

It is only You who can provide for my life. I thank you for the wonderful gifts and the true sufficiency I have in You and from You. You have been good to me! Thank you, Lord. I ask for a greater level of generosity in my life. I ask to be someone who knows what money is really for. Amen.