Sow Bountifully

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully....God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

God’s economy is very different from how the economy of the world works. In the world, we will find that value is put on men who use their intelligence and skills to get rich, to become influential, or famous. In God’s economy, it is the one who who pours out his life in love and service of others who is very rich in heaven’s eyes. 

I was amazed when I found out that celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain killed himself. He seemed to have the enviable life, traveling the world, meeting interesting people, and eating all kinds of delicious food all the time. His culinary and adventure programs were wildly successful, and his books were always in the best seller lists, but obviously something was seriously missing in his life. Bourdain said that, though he was considered Jewish by Judaism's definition, "I've never been in a synagogue. I don't believe in a higher power.” He advised in his book, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly”, that “Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride." He certainly looked as if he enjoyed himself, sampling what the world offered, from the exotic to the sublime. He claimed to have the best job in the world. Anthony Bourdain may have been idolized by many, but inside he was in pain. He revealed in one of his books, “As you move through this life...you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life...leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks - on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt." ­

Many of us are in pain, suffering even, at this time. There is so much heartbreak all around us. Whole families are getting sick. So many of the people I have been praying for have died. So many are in need of financial assistance. We can feel so helpless, and torn. Who do we help? How can we help? How much to give? How about us? God reassures us that when we think and feel for others, when we give generously, He will take care of us. We have to sow bountifully at this time, plant seeds of kindness, prayer, encouragement and financial help wherever we can. We can trust God to hold us up. We should have faith that His promise holds true. “God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.”