Sowing

In every society and culture you will find winners and losers. In most cases the difference is in the values or principles they choose to follow. This principle of sowing has a lot to do with the future for us as individuals as well as the progress of our societies as a whole. The proverb states “It is possible to give away and become richer.” Giving of ourselves, our ideas, and our resources will lead us to experience greater and better things for ourselves and our society.

While we build others, we are also building ourselves. The golden rule of doing unto others as you would have them do to you is a valuable practice in any society. When this principle is practiced it develops an unselfish culture that is bound to succeed.

This principle seems contrary to our generation where we are more concerned about our own rights and entitlements. We want to be the recipients of everything rather than giving of ourselves to others. Reaping always follows sowing. If we are angry with people, they will be angry at us. If we greet others with a smile and say good morning, we will get the same in return. Once we see the value of sowing we will enjoy it so much that giving and sowing won't even be considered something that costs us, but will be seen as an investment in our future and our life will become rewarding.

When we use what we have or give it to others, there is room for more for ourselves. A jar that is full has no need for refilling. Learning to give (sow) develops an attitude of generosity which will cause those we help to help us in return.

1. You will see the potential in others because you will be looking for the good in them to sow into. You will see what that person can be and will sow encouraging words, ideas or even bless them with a gift to inspire them to reach out and be all they can be.

2. You will be inspired to do good yourself because while you are focusing on the future possibilities of others you will discover possibilities for yourself as well.

3. You will get a good return on whatever you sow. If you are an inspiration to others, you will receive inspiration in return. It is sowing and reaping, whatever you give out will come back to you.

To reap from sowing we must follow-up on our sowing. We can't just give money or ideas and walk away. We must follow-up and keep watering (encouraging). Watering means managing and nurturing the people, the products, the ideas or money that we have sown. It's important to follow up on the investments that have been made. The idea or thought we sow as a onetime encouraging word will get a onetime encouraging reward. Seeds in the ground need more than a onetime rain. Thoughts and ideas are powerful when they are heard over and over again and they will increase in their value.

1. Always sow something of value. If you do not sow, you will not enjoy a return. The principle of sowing is the key in making you a winner. This principle is effective. The rewards might not always be immediate, but you will always win in the long run.

2. Earn your bread. If you do not sow ideas or invest in others, you will not have the right to expect favors in return. Life is a gift, but what comes out of our lives is based on what we choose to sow. You become known for what you give, not what you gain.

3. Sow abundantly. If we are generous then we will reap the benefits generously. Sowing little will reap little.

4. Don't be lazy. Laziness will keep us from sowing and watering others and then we will not reap the benefits in the future.

5. Don't be stingy. Stinginess will make you hold on to your money, ideas and talents that are meant to be invested in others. Don't be a treasure chest where you hide all your great gifts and talents, offer them to others to see and use and you will be rewarded in return.

The generous person will gain riches because he gives of his resources, time and talents. For that reason, the proverb states the more we give, the richer we become.

Sow generously, it is worth it. Try sowing a smile to everyone you come across and see what you get in return.

If you don't like what you are reaping, start planting different seeds and see what happens. You reap what you sow. Sow with expectation.

What do you have in your hands right now that you can sow into someone else?

Who or what in your life do you think you are supposed to sow into?

Can you identify something you are experiencing in your life right now that is the result of something you have sown?