We Reap What We Sow -In Business and in Life
Growing up I knew the scriptural thought very early on in life that we reap what we sow. It still remains one of my favorites not just for the simplistic truth wrapped up in one sentence but the implications of this truth on my life. I have been thinking about this verse a lot lately. I believe one reason is the choice I have had to make regarding my family and personal life. Another is watching how those perform at work versus my performance and making sure I remember this golden knowledge that I reap what I sow.
What does it mean to reap what we sow?
Illustrated simply, most of us recognize that if we plant an apple seed, we get an apple tree and if we plant a mustard seed, the same will be true. When describing the early preaching days in Christianity, the Apostle Paul explained it this way, “I planted, Apollos watered but God kept making it grow”. All the parties involved from man to supernatural being had actions they had to take to help a “plant” a.k.a. a person grow correctly.
When we connect these two together it helps us understand that we need to be the boss of our own lives. Sure there are moments when we need to let the Universe or our Creator or Jesus “take the wheel and steer” but realistically we are expected to drive ourselves to our destinations.
In my humble opinion, just like the Art of War can be used in business, so can the Bible and I’m sure a lot of other scriptural texts as well. The Bible illustrates a capable person being like an ant that works hard to store foods for the winter and other animals alike. Just like the thought of nurturing a plant and needing to take action, this illustration of animals naturally preparing for winter and not being a lazy ant is a stiff reminder that as humans we can’t be lazy humans. Just like a lazy ant or a lazy ant colony will eventually die, so will lazy humans. Whether you believe in the existence of life through evolution or creation, this prophetic thought is the same. What is the difference between the theory of Survival of the Fittest versus this theory of the lazy ant or the lazy human no longer existing?
Today I encountered a visual reminder of learning by example, good and bad. This was in a business setting and someone lied to a customer to close a deal and now it is hurting them because the customer doesn’t know what they paid for. This experience made me reflect once again on reaping what I sow and being forever grateful that I was raised to know this principle.
On a sterner warning for those who are religious leaders, this thought holds more weight. Why?
At least in the Bible, spiritual leaders were clearly held to a higher standard even being held blood guilty for how well or how poorly they handled those they were leading. This meant then and now that those who claim to have the gift of ministering must be aware of the responsibility this holds. This is a matter that I pray and meditate about constantly.
The most important aspect to apply here is simply looking at the macro and micro of our lives and seeing where our choices are leading us. If we look back we can see the seeds we have planted with those choices and watch them grow.
Expect more of these articles and videos because I want to share ideas and thoughts that bring me success in life and I know they will help you too.
Agape,
Britt