Rethinking Sowing: It’s More Than Money

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more…”
— Luke 6:38 (NLT)

Giving is one of those timeless principles that has been blessing people for generations. But let’s be real: over the years, the way we talk about it has gotten… a bit off track.

For many, “sowing” has basically become another word for “giving money”—usually with the expectation of a financial breakthrough. And sure, sowing can include giving money. But if that’s all we think it means, we’re missing the bigger picture.

The Truth About the Giving Conversation

There’s a lot of tension around the topic of giving these days—and not without reason. People are rightfully skeptical. We’ve all seen headlines about prosperity preachers living large while asking folks to give more “in faith.”

Honestly? It’s fair to question that.

A message isn’t invalid just because of controversies—what matters is whether it lines up with Scripture.

What the Bible Really Teaches About Sowing

When Paul said, “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6–8), he wasn’t just talking about money. He was pointing to a deeper principle that runs throughout the Bible:

You reap what you sow.

That includes:

• Time into your marriage, friendships, or kids
• Effort into your job or business
• Love into your neighborhood or church
• Discipline into your calling and gifts

Think about it: no farmer plants dollar bills and expects a harvest. They plant seeds. Same goes for us—seeds look like love, time, service, excellence.

Real-Life Example: It’s Not Just About the Offering

Take Jeff Bezos. Whatever you think of him, there’s a principle here. He didn’t just dream about Amazon and hope it took off—he sowed into it. Ideas, time, energy, risk. And the return? Massive. Not just for him, but for employees, customers, investors—millions of people.

That’s what happens when you sow into something bigger than yourself.

Same goes for that pastor with the global ministry you admire. It wasn’t a one-time offering that got them there. It was years of consistent sowing—in private and in public. Prayers, strategy, learning, late nights, faithfulness.

The result? Influence. Fruit. Harvest.

Success Costs Something—and That’s Okay

Want to succeed in your career? Sow time. research shows that It takes roughly 10,000 hours to master a skill. That’s not just effort—that’s commitment.

Want a thriving marriage? Sow love, patience, and intentional time.
You reap what you sow—not just financially, but in every area of life.

Let’s Be Honest About Church and Money

God honors giving—but not shortcuts. You can’t manipulate Him with money while ignoring the real seeds He’s called you to plant.

Let’s be real: it takes money to run a ministry. From Moses to Jesus and the apostles, resources were essential for sustaining God’s work. But none of these leaders coerced people into giving or presented God as a godfather who demands bribes before He blesses. Instead, they revealed God as a Father who invites His children to respond with generosity as responsible sons and daughters—to meet the needs of the community, the church, and the ministry.

Pastors, I understand—money is needed. I’ve held treasury positions in church leadership. I know firsthand what it takes: securing buildings, maintaining operations, compensating staff, running programs, and purchasing equipment to create a welcoming environment for worship.

I’ve also seen the other side—how pastors without large congregations or resources are sometimes ridiculed. My father was one of them.

I know the fear: that if you tell people the truth about giving, they might stop giving altogether. But maybe the real solution isn’t in persuasive tactics—it’s in cutting back on unnecessary expenses. Extravagant buildings, excessive protocols, and ego-driven events can drain resources. If we steward wisely, freewill giving is enough to sustain the church.

What to Sow Instead

Instead of trying to “corner God” by giving to get something in return, sow intentionally into:

• Your purpose — through study, discipline, and consistent effort
• Your relationships — with presence, service, and emotional investment
• Your community — through love, justice, and compassion
• Your spiritual life — through prayer, scripture, and worship

When you plant the seeds that truly matter, God brings the kind of harvest that satisfies beyond material gain.

A Prayer to End With

Father, teach me to be a faithful sower. Help me invest in what truly matters—not just with my money, but with my time, energy, and heart. Break me out of transactional thinking and lead me into a life of purpose, generosity, and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.