wheatSowing and Reaping is an agricultural principle that is applicable to every area of life. You do not have to be a farmer to grasp the principle that you “reap in kind”. When a farmer plants corn, he will harvest corn. When he plants green beans, he will harvest green beans. It does not take a degree in agriculture or a membership in “Future Farmers of America” (FFA) to understand this principle.

The principle of Sowing and Reaping is a fundamental truth for life! Paul challenged Christians in Galatia to not play the fool and suppose God had suspended the principle of reaping what you have sown (Galatians 6:7). When a man heaps to himself the pleasures of sin, he will invariably reap the fruit of sin—moral decay, heartache and spiritual death (Galatians 6:8a; Romans 6:23). When a man’s affections pursue spiritual virtues, he will harvest the blessed fruits of the Spirit in his life (Galatians 5:22-23).

Our devotion from Proverbs 3:9-10 amplifies the principle of Sowing and Reaping.

Proverbs 3:9 – “Honour [glorify] the LORD with thy substance [wealth; riches; sowing-reapingpossessions], and with the firstfruits [best; choicest; the beginning] of all thine increase[income; gain]:”

What a great challenge for a king to set before his son who would be king. “Honour the Lord with thy substance”—Glorify Him, be a good steward of everything He has given you. This principle of stewardship exceeds temporal gold and silver. “Substance” is indicative of everything we are and possess. We are to glorify the Lord with our talents, time, opportunities, riches and possessions.

We are also to give the Lord “the firstfruits of all thine increase”—Why firstfruits? He accepts nothing but our best! Giving God the first of your increase acknowledges He is sovereign and owns the first and best part!

Proverbs 3:10 is the Lord’s promise of generosity to those who have been faithful stewards of God’s blessings–God honors generosity with generosity!

Hay-layers-inside-barnProverbs 3:10 – “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

God does bless His people materially; however, some of the most godly, faithful saints in history found themselves living in poor conditions. You see, money and possessions are poor substitutes for God’s blessings that no amount of money can buy—His overflowing grace, peace and joy!

The reference to “new wine” is fresh squeezed grape juice, non-alcoholic and unfermented (note Proverbs 23:29-35 for the prohibition on unmixed, fermented wine).

I am sure you have heard preachers comment, “You cannot out give God!” It is true. God offers to His people spiritual riches no amount of money can buy!

Malachi 3:10 – “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”