Reap
Reaping is the process of gathering the harvest. It is generally a time of joyful labor as the crops are gathered from the fields. If you have a farming background you may recall the joy and satisfaction that comes with a good harvest. You may also recall times of disappointment because the harvest did not come in as anticipated.
The stakes are high for most farmers as their families, livestock, finances, partners and communities count on them to produce abundant crops. Many people forget what the farmer goes through to produce the crops. The soil must be cultivated, fertilized, irrogated and watched over meticulously for a good harvest.
In a spiritual context we frequently use the word reap to describe lost souls finding salvation. Ministers, like farmers, understand that the stakes are high. Ministers also understand that there are planting, watering and harvesting principles involved when a person comes to Christ.
Both ministers and farmers can allow internal as well as external pressures built to very unhealthy levels. When this happens, some lose their joy and love for their calling. We must remember that we are not the be all and end all when it comes to the harvest.
The Apostle Paul puts it this way; “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Cor. 3:6-9
Let’s remember the importance of planting and watering. This will help us let go of God’s responsibility, which is to cause the growth. It is enough for us to be found faithful with the opportunities and responsibilities that He has given. Let’s also pray that we can reap or water where the other has planted.
Tags: Christian Ministry, Evangelism, Ordination
