Early in my leadership journey, I encountered a situation that many of you may find familiar.
I had dedicated numerous hours to mentoring a promising young leader, only to see them walk away from their role and, seemingly, from their faith. It felt like I had diligently worked the soil, planted good seeds, and waited for growth—only to see nothing sprout. Have you ever experienced a similar frustration in your leadership efforts?
Jesus often used farming metaphors to describe spiritual truths, and one of the most powerful principles He taught was the Law of the Harvest—the idea that what we sow, we will reap. This principle, with its transformative power, applies not just to agriculture but also to leadership, faith, and the way we influence others.
In this opening article, we’ll explore the first and foundational Law of the Harvest: You Reap What You Sow. It’s a simple yet profound truth that carries immense implications for Christian leaders. How we invest our time, integrity, and influence not only determines the results we will see in those we lead, but also shapes our own personal growth.
The Theological Background of the Law of the Harvest
The principle of sowing and reaping is woven throughout Scripture. Galatians 6:7-9 declares: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” This verse encapsulates a universal truth about cause and effect, responsibility, and divine justice.
The Old Testament echoes this principle in Proverbs 22:8—“Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.” This shows that what we invest in our lives, whether righteousness or sin, has lasting consequences.
Jesus Himself illustrated the law of the harvest in Matthew 13:3-9, the Parable of the Sower, explaining how the condition of our hearts affects our spiritual yield. Paul also applied this concept to generosity in 2 Corinthians 9:6—“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” This principle extends beyond finances to every area of life, including leadership, relationships, and faith.
For Christian business leaders and pastors, this means that our investments in people, integrity, and faith will yield a return, whether immediate or long-term. The way we build teams, make decisions, and steward resources all reflect the seeds we sow, and the patience we show in this process will lead to a bountiful harvest.
The Law in Action: A Biblical Perspective
The Apostle Paul captures this principle in Galatians 6:7-9, reminding us: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” This truth plays out repeatedly in Scripture, from Jacob’s deception returning to him through Laban to David’s faithfulness to God shaping his leadership legacy.
Leaders today must recognize that their daily decisions—whether marked by integrity or compromise, faith or fear—shape the harvest they will eventually reap. If you want to lead with influence, you must plant seeds of faithfulness, wisdom, and grace.
Leadership Implications: What Are You Sowing?
As leaders, we’re constantly planting seeds—through our words, actions, and decisions. Are you sowing seeds of trust, patience, and wisdom? Or are you unintentionally planting doubt, inconsistency, or fear in those you lead? The good news is that God allows us to cultivate new habits and plant new seeds, even if past harvests have been disappointing.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore more Laws of the Harvest—timing, abundance, diligence, and impact. But for now, take a moment to reflect: What are you sowing in your leadership today?
Overview of the Upcoming Weekly Articles
- The Foundational Laws of the Harvest – Covers the most essential and universal principles.
- The Quality of Your Harvest Depends on the Conditions – Focuses on what affects the harvest (e.g., heart, diligence, opposition).
- Patience, Opposition, and God’s Timing in the Harvest – Encourages leaders to trust God’s process despite delays or obstacles.
- The Impact of the Harvest on Others – Explores how leaders’ actions affect others now and in the future.
- The Final and Eternal Harvest – Concludes the series by pointing leaders toward eternal priorities.
Action Steps for Leaders
Applying the Law of the Harvest in your leadership requires intentionality. Here are five practical steps to help you cultivate a leadership style that yields lasting, God-honoring results.
- Evaluate your current leadership habits. Are you sowing integrity, encouragement, and wisdom?
- Pray for discernment. Ask God to reveal areas where you need to sow differently.
- Invest in others intentionally. Look for ways to mentor, encourage, and uplift those you lead.
- Be patient with the process. Not every seed sprouts overnight, but a faithful leader continues sowing.
- Stay accountable. Find a trusted mentor or colleague who can encourage you in sowing well.
Discussion Questions
Reflect on the principles of sowing and reaping in your leadership journey. Use these thought-provoking questions to deepen your understanding and apply biblical wisdom to your daily decisions.
- Have you ever experienced a leadership situation where you reaped what you sowed, positively or negatively?
- What are some practical ways leaders can sow seeds of faith and integrity in their workplace?
- How can Christian leaders remain patient when they don’t see immediate results from their efforts?
- What does Galatians 6:7-9 teach us about the long-term impact of leadership choices?
- In what ways can you be more intentional about sowing into the lives of those around you?
More Articles
I have written several articles on accountability. You can find them by typing “Accountability” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #620: To Judge, Or Not to Judge: That is the Question!
- #593: Are You Harnessing the 7 Laws of the Harvest in Your Business?
- #530: Why Is Accountability Essential for Employee Motivation and Engagement?
- #344: Is A Greedy, Covetous Employee A Danger to Your Business?
- #322: Do Our Actions or Example Really Matter?
Join the Conversation
As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences. What aspect of reaping and sowing do you believe is most often overlooked in business today?
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Category: Skills/Accountability
We had a guy in our police department in a management/leadership position. The problem was that he was never around. Rarely met with subordinates. Leaving early. When a promotion opportunity came up, he was disappointed to be passed over. You reap what you sow.