A Bird in the Hand

Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap…The one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-10)

There is a wonderful promise in “Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” The certainty of this promise is constantly illustrated in nature. We have total confidence that apple seeds will produce apple trees. Sometimes I get discouraged as I try various projects to encourage spiritual growth in myself or others. We read books, attend seminars, host retreats and daily seek God. There is often struggle, resistance, rejection and apparent failure. Where is the fruit? God tells us and nature illustrates that it is coming as certainly as the bean stalk springs from a bean.

Our challenge and privilege is to seek and implement ways to plant seed to the Spirit. This often involves the investment of something we “possess”. It can be our time, money, home or even a loved one. I’m thinking of our daughter who is teaching English in another country. She has found explaining Christmas and some Christmas carols to students of a different culture to be a great way to tell the Good News of our Father’s love. For her parents, it has been a sacrifice and an investment of a loved one in the planting of spiritual seed. The eventual fruit will be known only to God. We have spent thousands on her education. Are we getting our money’s worth?

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” is a worldly philosophy because it is a statement of lack of faith. We are called to risk what we can see, hold and count for something unseen, hard to put our arms around and impossible to count. The things of this world can be exchanged for spiritual seed which will inevitably produce a harvest of eternal life for many. But, do I have enough faith in God and His promise to risk the bird in my hand?

“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”

Project:

• Commit to daily ask God how to plant good seed that day.

• Ask God to reveal something He wants you to exchange for spiritual seed.

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