“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
In Paul’s day, farmers had good reason to sow sparingly. Some hardly had enough grain to feed their families. They sowed with tears, trusting God for the best. Their fears were replaced by the joy of harvest. That is how laboring for Christ can be, too.
We sow sparingly in all kinds of ways. Life is expensive and the future is uncertain, so we reason, “Let’s not increase our giving this year.” Life is busy and we’re easily tired and agitated, so we think, “Let’s not get too involved in ministry.” People who sow sparingly are left with a guilty conscience, knowing they are withholding from God what is His. Their guilt robs them of joy.
But the person who sows generously has a clear conscience. He looks to God instead of circumstances. He sows generously and reaps joy and satisfaction. In so doing he learns that joy springs from self-forgetfulness.
Deciding to sow bountifully is a matter of trusting Him. Not sitting on the fence but setting well-considered goals with God is the way to joyful Christian living. God promises His help, at all times and adequately. Generous sowing in the Kingdom of God brings bountiful reaping. This is the key to joy.