The Best Way to Get Rich is to Sow Generously
You don’t have to be a farmer to grasp the basics of how to grow plants. If you only sow a few seeds, you’ll only grow a few plants, and you’ll only reap a small harvest. However, the more you sow, the more you will reap (you can read all about the 7 laws of the harvest in one of my previous blogs).
This article, however, is not exactly about the laws of the harvest. It does have to do with sowing and reaping, however, there’s a little more going on in the sowing and reaping world than that. Today, we’ll take a look at 2 Corinthians 9 and the concepts behind sowing and reaping.
“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV
Encouraging Generosity Among People
In this chapter Paul is encouraging those in Corinth to continue to give generously. To be happy about giving, not do it with ill intent, but to be happy to share what they have been blessed with amongst those who need it. However, there’s an important point to notice here that we have to pay attention to.
Some believe this passage is saying that if we sow generously (give generously to those in need) that we will have more and more for ourselves. While I believe that is true, that’s not what this particular piece is all about. You can see some other posts of mine, like Get Rich by Being Generous and Want to Increase Your Wealth? Be Generous for Bible verses that talk about how giving to those in need is a way to increase what we have.
In this instance, Paul is talking about giving generously to those who need it, so that they will be blessed and they can reap generously.
I believe that to be true based on verses 10 and 11 which say, “10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
We see that God will “enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” and “your generosity result in thanksgiving to God.” In other words, you give so their needs are met, so they can turn their energy to praising God, and focusing on a better and more fulfilling relationship with Him.
The fringe benefit is that you will be blessed as well. But the main goal is to bless others first. Check out Philippians 2:3-4 for quick and easy instructions on how we should focus our attention on the needs of others.
The Four Components of Giving Generously
We want to be blessed. We want others to be blessed. When we take care of each other, great things happen (modern day conservatives would call that “socialism” and yet they fail to see that the entire Bible is filled with socialist principles).
There are a few instructions on how we’re supposed to be givers in this manner as laid out in verses 7 and 8.
Choose the Amount – In the Old Testament, God instructed the Hebrews to give a tithe; 10 percent. However, in the New Testament Christ has fulfilled the Mosaic Law. Now, we’re instructed to “give what you have decided in your heart to give.”
Don’t be Coerced – This means when someone says you must give 10% or you’re sinning, you should question their motives for telling you this. Because we shouldn’t, “give, reluctantly or under compulsion.”
Do it Cheerfully – Since we decide what we are comfortable and able to give, and we aren’t having someone pressure us, we should do so cheerfully (we see what happens if we give begrudgingly in the story of Ananias and Sapphira).
Get, to Give, to Get, to Give – We should give so we can get blessings (reap accordingly), so we can give even more (which will bring us more), so we can give more… As long as we don’t stop on the “get” portion and we get, to give, to get, to give… then we can claim the promise that, “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
How we Apply this in Our Lives
Here’s where I, as well as many other people, can struggle.
What is “generously”? If I don’t make a lot of money, and I don’t have a lot to give away so I’m frugal and have to watch my spending, I’m often seen as “cheap” or perhaps a “mooch” when other people pay for me.
The Bible gives us some clear instructions on what a generous giver is. And it’s not buying drinks for your buddies when all of you make enough money to buy your own drinks. That isn’t the generosity Paul is talking about here.
In Luke 21, Jesus watches as the rich people pour lavish amounts into the treasury. They don’t make a dent in their finances, and their contributions aren’t really coming from a place of generosity. But when the widow drops a couple of copper coins in, her generosity is heralded by the Savior.
You don’t have to give everything you have so you’re not able to meet your own needs. But when you give to the poor and to the church, that’s where your generosity can show through.
Scott Sery Will Teach You How to Write a Book
How do we tie this back into writing and what I’m all about in terms of a career?
Well, when you’re anxious to get your book started, finished, or published, you need someone to show you how to write a book. I’m here to offer that service.
By exercising the skills I have, and earning an income, I get put in a position where I can give generously. If your needs are met with my services, you’re vicariously helping give generously to those who really need it the most.
Keen on writing a book, but you’re not sure where to begin? Schedule a free 30-minute strategy session with me via my calendar below.