Sowing Seeds to Benefit Others

“Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others,” wrote John Maxwell in his book The Success Journey.

True success in any area of life is not independent from other people. We learn from others. Find inspiration from others. And receive encouragement from others.

But more than that, much of our satisfaction in life is derived from helping other people. By lifting them up. By feeling like we’re making a difference. By knowing that our life matters.

When we sow seeds to benefit others, we grow too. What we sow comes back to us (Gal. 6:8-9). Consider these three ways.

#1 BY CARING

Relationships are nurtured and nourished as we care for one another. Paul admonished the Corinthians “to have the same care for one another” (1Cor. 12:26). Many of the problems within in the church demonstrated a lack of care.

It was also apparent they hadn’t grown spiritually (2 Cor. 3:1). They were carnal minded. Divisive. Selfish. And immature. Expressing and exhibiting care for others, not only helps them, but it sows a seed for our own growth as well.

When we care…

♦We respect the feelings of others (Phil. 2:3).
♦We’re Concerned About Other’s Interests (Phil. 2:4).
♦We seek unity in the Body of Christ ( 1 Cor. 1:10).
♦We will not cause others to stumble (1 Cor. 8:12).
♦We will feel and show compassion for others (Lk. 10:32-33).

#2 BY SHARING

Sharing speaks to the issue of fellowship. In fact, fellowship is defined as “a sharing in common.” We share together spiritual fellowship in Christ, the same spiritual blessings, the same faith, and the same hope.

This fellowship ought to prompt a sharing spirit among us. In the early church they shared their material possession when others had a need (Ac. 4:34-35). To the rich in 1 Timothy 6:18 Paul says they should “be
rich in good works, willing to give, willing to share.”

The Bible also teaches a mutual sharing of the work load within the Body of Christ. Every member has a function, something he or she can do. When one member shirks their responsibility, then someone else must pick up the slack. While each of us possess different skills, talents and abilities, we have something to offer. Something to share.

Sharing not only benefits the Body, members individually, it benefits us. Winston Churchill was right when he said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

#3 BY BEARING

Life is filled with many hardships. The burden of sin, sorrow, and sickness. The burden of death. There are financial burdens. Relationship burdens. Physical, mental and emotional burdens.

The apostle Paul exhorted, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). To the Romans, he wrote, “Weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15).

We may bear one’s burden, by just being there. By simply saying, “I Care.” “I’m sorry.” “I want to help.” “I’m here for you.” Or by just listening with sympathy and empathy. By a hug. A smile. A pat on the shoulder.

Bearing involves both caring and sharing. Genuine care and concern for our fellow man, and a willingness to share our time, expend our energy, or give of our resources to help in time of need.

Dag Hammarkhold, past Secretary General of the UN reminds us, “It is more noble to give yourself completely for one individual, than to labor diligently for the salvation of the masses.”

Today, there are people who have serious problems. They feel alone, helpless, and hopeless. They may feel there’s no one to turn to. Isn’t it wonderful, as Christians, we not only have the LORD, but one another, fellow Christians who are there to be a burden bearer.

Spiritual growth doesn’t occur in any vacuum. It isn’t something we can do all by ourselves. That’s why the Lord placed us in a spiritual Family. Nor is growth just something that happens to us. It is change that occurs within us. And it is accelerated when we’re working to help others grow.

Sowing Seeds that benefit others spiritually, benefits us. Helps us grow. And helps us become all that God created us to be.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman