The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
 -II Corinthians 9:6 

I was reminded of this verse from II Corinthians when I saw this picture. So much of what 2017 holds, and each new year, is what we make of it. Lots of people out there make a living or hobby out of telling you what you can or should expect of 2017. Some will tell you it will be incredible. Others will tell you to expect calamity. 

But this little cartoon reminds us of the truth we find in scripture dozens of times. If we seek to sow righteousness and justice and mercy through our humble lives of love through serving those in need, as individuals and as the body of Christ, we will build the kingdom. Like the gardener, we can be confident that flowers will grow. Not because the gardener is an optimist. But because the gardener knows that well-tended seeds grow into flowers. 

He knows a truth we do. We will reap as we sow. If we seek a world of justice and mercy, we will be just and merciful and teach our children by our example. Our friends, our opponents, our enemies, they are our brothers and sisters and we will build the kingdom with them. This year. And every year. 

Prayer for Today

Lord, help me each day to sow justice and mercy through my humble walk with you. Amen.