Be Generous

I just spent some time this morning reading 1 Corinthians 9 where Paul talks about sowing generously. Specifically, in verse 6 he writes: Remember this, Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Now, we often use this verse to talk about tithing and financial giving which is what Paul is talking about here. He has been talking to the Corinthian church about the great gift that they have been preparing.

However, as I was reading the passage, I was thinking how applicable it is to all of my life. How I should be generous not only with money but other resources, time, talents, attitude, love, emotions, faith--in short, generous with my life; all that I am. If I am generous then I will reap much generosity in return. I don't think what I reap will just be a personal benefit. That is not the motivating factor--give to get. Rather, I see the generous reaping will be seen in the lives of others and in the growth of God's Kingdom. There will be many personal benefits from my generosity that will be outweighed by the harvest in God's Kingdom.

As I came to the end of that chapter, I felt compelled (and still do) to make that verse the "motto" for my ministry and how I live my life. I need to be more generous with all that I am and all that I do and resist the temptation to be tight and pull in the reins.

Give generously of my love, my time, talents, etc as a husband, dad, pastor, and friend and there will be much reaping in the harvest and it will be my privilege (because it is not owed to me, that's for sure)to share in the reaping.

Have a great day in the Lord!