Many people know this admonition is rooted in Scripture. And for those who haven’t been exposed to the Christian Bible, it’s fair enough to say they understand the implications. Sooner or later we are on the receiving end of what we handed out at some point in our journey.
My sense of the timeliness of this topic in our current state of family, community, and country is not meant to finger point—it is meant as a reminder [to myself, as well] that when we fail to stop and consider our attitude, our behaviors that follow risk sowing more pain into a world already mired in ugliness and suffering..
For example:
When we sow aggression, we reap anger and hurt. We trample over others with little thought as to the impact of our actions. What if we were to sow assertiveness instead?
When we sow stubbornness we reap closed doors, shutting ourselves off to new insights, or maybe a better way to resolve a problem. What if we were to sow perseverance and openness instead?
When we sow indifference. we reap misunderstandings. What if we were to sow compassion and empathy instead?
When we sow fear and doubt, we reap uncertainty and confusion. What if we were to sow peace and patience instead?
Added to the mix of our sowing and reaping—the element of time. Sometimes we experience the consequences immediately. On other occasions, it may be days, months, or years before we come face-to-face with the results of our behaviors. Either way, the truth of the principle remains—there will be a harvest, one that we may or may not discover to be what we hoped for.
Given all that is unfolding around and in us these days, it can be real challenge to sow the kinds of seeds that will help assure a bounty of goodness. Simple? In a word, yes. In deed? That’s where it’s up to you and me.
Do I give much thought to what I sow through my behaviors?
What are the good seeds of behavior I could plant?
What might I need to change when it comes to my attitudes?
