Let us go forth into the field and learn
(Title and outline is from Handfuls on Purpose)
That a harvest time will come. Seed sown shall not always remain a hidden thing. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). One may plant the gospel seed, several may water the seed, but only God can make it grow).
That much comes from little. Some a hundredfold. But they who sow wind will reap whirlwind. We need to be mindful of how we live our lives and of what our priorities are, or we may end up wasting precious time on worldly things rather than on what God had previously planned for us (see Ephesians 2:10). We need to nourish the soil of our hearts with the Word of God, and with the Spirit’s enablement, to mature spiritually, as we put what we learn into practice. Then we will be able to share the gospel with others that they may come to a saving faith and avoid the coming wrath of God against all who reject Christ Jesus.
That a fruitful life comes through death. “Except a corn of wheat die, it abides alone (John 12:24). We must die to sin and live for Christ Jesus if we are to be fruitful. Romans 12:1-3 and Hebrews 12:1-3 will explain how to do this.
That like comes from like. “Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he reap” (Galatians 6:7). Where is your treasure? What do you most enjoy doing? Where your treasure is, your heart will be (Matthew 6:21). What is your top priority?
That when we cease to grow we begin to die. Like a plant, when fully grown if we don’t regularly nourish it, it will die. Feeding our hearts with God’s Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit to put it into practice are essential for our spiritual growth and life.
That grain is most valued when ripe. Mature Christians are able to be mentors to the new Christians by showing, by example, how to live a godly life in a corrupt world, whatever the cost. (By their fruit you will know them)
That the harvesting does not alter its character.
That the harvest is followed with sifting. (Satan requested permission to sift Peter...see Luke 22:31). God will sift the tares from the wheat when Jesus returns.
Being a good model is a form of sowing that can result in reaping Christlike changes in the lives of new Christians. Life is filled with choices, choices that affect us on an everyday basis in everything we do, which means our everyday choices are not without significance. Our choices affect us and others in dramatic ways whether we see it immediately or not (2 Chronicles 17:3; John 13:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7).
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-18).
So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
Why do we need wisdom? So we can make wise choices!
If we sow indifference to God, spiritual values and priorities, we reap the fruit of indifference—ignorance, hardness, greediness, futility, and frustration (Ephesians 4:17-19).
Here is something for us to think about:
Sow a thought, reap an act;
Sow an act, reap a habit;
Sow a habit, reap a character;
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
~Annie~
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