Friday, February 17, 2012

Our “Sowing Circle”

      As Christians, we have been given the awesome and incredible responsibility to pass on that which God has put into us. When I think back through the years, I can recall many women who crossed my path and imparted some of their spiritual insights and wisdom to me. Some of them were brief exchanges and others were those who were part of my life for a long time. It really doesn’t matter how much time you spend, the chronological age of the person, the length of the relationship, or the complexity of the conversations - what matters is that you “live intentionally”, purposely finding time to receive from others and then sharing your own experiences and life lessons with those that God would bring to you. It’s so important.
       The Bible is full of examples of “passing it on”. Of course there is the Paul-Timothy example and the Barnabas-Mark mentoring, but there are countless others. There is also the “straight up” exhortation in Titus 2 that tells “older women” to teach the younger. Those who have walked longer with the Lord have so many life experiences and faith lessons that you don’t just automatically gain by reading books or studying! It’s maturity and wisdom developed through the daily living of choices made and consequences reaped - some good, some not so good!
       So there's the important truth about sowing. God expects that we will use what we have learned for enriching, expanding and edifying other believers. He also wants us to receive from others' experiences, lessons, & teaching!
       It doesn’t have to be a monumental task - a quick cup of coffee with someone, a phone chat, an afternoon tea break…there are so many ways to do it. The hardest part is just deciding to do it. Look around at the people in your life - who in your "circle" needs some "sowing" of encouragement, prayer, a word from the Lord, a little spiritual “push” to help them change direction? Who can you align your heart with to receive some "sowing" from? It can be as intense as “student teaching” …or as relaxed as casual conversation with a friend. It is just the “passing on of those truths that have impacted your life”; sharing those insights that will help another who is coming along behind you. Ask God for discernment, wisdom, and opportunity. He will provide the people, the places, and even the words - He is always ready to answer those kinds of requests! You will be blessed and be a blessing all at the same time!

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