Cause-and-effect is the relationship between actions or events such that one or more are the result of the other or others. In other words, for every action or choice, there is a reaction that is either positive or negative. This is what Bible refers to as the principle of sowing and reaping. If you take this concept literally, what you receive is directly proportionally to the degree to what you put into any endeavor.
Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you, Luke 6:38.
For example, a recent sermon that I heard stated the following. “If you sow a thought, you will reap an action. If you sow an action, you will reap a habit. If you sow a habit, you reap a specific character trait. If you sow a character trait, you reap a reputation. If you sow a reputation, you reap a legacy. If you sow a legacy, you reap an eternal destiny.” During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains how others will judge you. The name you will make for yourselves is based upon your own actions.
[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings. 7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving]. 8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation], 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.
If you’re not satisfied with the person that you’ve become, the passage above briefly explains why. Any individual who gives sparingly of their gifts, money, and or resources, will receive limited blessings from God, if any. The apostle Paul builds upon the teaching of Malachi 3:8-10. When you give to God in the form of service or tithes, blessings from heaven will rain down. Sow… if you really want to know how to change your destiny, the words above provide a blueprint for sowing according to God’s Spirit.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 