2 Corinthians 9:10 "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness."
"Increase me, Lord." Pretty odd words for someone who has been on a special diet for the last three weeks. But of course the physical is not what I'm referring to...it's my spiritual life. You see, I don't ever want to be content with 'where I am' spiritually. I want to grow, and like a seed, I want to reproduce.
I love the imagery Paul uses in this verse. What does a seed do? It reproduces. One tomato plant can produce up to seventeen tomatos. One potato seed can yield up to ten potatoes. One strawberry plant can give a quart of strawberries. Yet how many Christians today never reproduce or invest themselves into another person?
Paul reminds me that God supplies me with seed and food. He provides me with resources to use and invest for Kingdom purposes. He gives me (and each person) talents and abilities that can be used for Him. And when I use my seeds the way He intends, God increases my harvest. The more I use the seeds He has given me for Him, the more seeds He provides. No, this verse isn't a recipe for physical riches, but it is a recipe for spiritual riches. And that's what I want.
When I read this verse, I can't help but think of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. I have a choice to make. What am I going to do with the seed(s) God has given me? Am I going to protect it, and like the servant in the parable, go bury it? Or am I going to plant the seeds, water them, and invest them? Will my master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Or will my Master say to me, "You wicked, lazy servant!"?
What's your seed? Is it working with kids? Is it writing? Is it encouragement? Is it generosity and giving? I read the other day that "Ministry" is not a job...it's your life. I'm reminded with this verse that when I invest my seeds the way God wants me to, I will be fulfilling exactly that. There's nothing more valuable you can offer your friend than yourself. Give it away.
So I say it again. Increase me, Lord. Enlarge my harvest. Let me use the seeds you have invested in my life so that they will reproduce in others. Let me never be content with where I am and what I've done for you in the past. Keep growing me, and keep me at a point where I can reproduce spiritually for You. Yes, Lord, increase me.
---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com