We much prefer encouragement to discipline. But, given our imperfections, we must learn from times of discipline. Let’s discuss sowing and reaping 101.
What We Want to Hear
We really like to be encouraged. That is, to feel comforted when challenged.
That’s one reason why Jeremiah 29.11 is such a popular scripture verse. In that verse God speaks of His thoughts — meaning His plans — for each of us.
God’s plans are designed to bring us peace (Shalom) and hope.
In short, we have hope because of God’s divine plan for our life.
Moreover, we can live a life of divinely-appointed purpose, if we so choose.
Ok so far, so good.
What We Don’t Want to Hear
It’s always good to read scripture in context. Thus, to look at the verses close by to see what else is going on.
In this case, the other stuff going on was unpleasant.
Go back one verse to Jeremiah 29.10. Ugh!
The prophet is writing to people who were in captivity in Babylon.
They were in Babylon because God put them there! See Jeremiah 29.4 “…that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away…”
They were going to be in captivity for 70 years! Why? Because of their own, poor choices.
They were in Babylon because they ignored repeated warnings about “…the evil of their doings” Jeremiah 26.3.
Our choices bring us consequences that are often unintended — by us. But, those consequences are fairly unbending.
What we’re reading here is sowing and reaping 101!
I accomplish God’s purposes for my life when I allow God’s sovereign will to be worked out through my life. proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Precept
The precept here is we get back from life what we put into it. We sow what we reap.
Fact is, our daily choices compound, over time, to shape the life outcomes that we enjoy. Or, the outcomes that we endure.
For example, in Proverbs 11.18, when we sow a right relationship with God we reap a “…sure reward…” hence blessings.
We read a negative example of this principle in Proverbs 22.8: “…sow iniquity (injustice)…reap emptiness…”
Then what? From that same verse, we get angry at God about how our life turned out!
Again, ugh!
Apply This Today!
Sowing and reaping is a most fundamental mental model. It’s valuable because it connects our actions with our life outcomes.
Like it or not, we’re accountable for how things turn out in life because of the deliberate choices we’ve made.
Often, we make conscious choices based on deeply-held personal values. Hence, we’re intentional. Moreover, we’re driven by character.
Poor character — poor choices — poor outcomes. Sound character — wise choices …
In contrast to intentionality, when we’re reactive, we fall into a deadly spiral in life of blaming, and of being a victim. You know, we get angry!
Over time, being reactive instead of being responsible traps us right where we currently are in life, meaning we don’t enjoy any growth.