Years ago, I mentored a young professional full of potential. I invested time, wisdom, and resources into his growth, believing he would become an exceptional leader. This journey of mentorship and growth is a testament to the long-term nature of leadership.
Yet, he eventually left, taking what he learned to benefit another organization. Initially, I felt frustrated—had I wasted my time? But later, I realized I was reaping what had been sown in me by others who had once poured into my life.
The Bible teaches that the laws of the harvest are at work in every area of life, including leadership. These laws remind us that what we plant, or ‘sow,’ determines what we harvest, and the results don’t always come immediately. For leaders, sowing in leadership means the actions, decisions, and behaviors they exhibit that will determine the kind of leader they become.
Let’s examine four of the laws of the harvest and how they apply to us as leaders today.
1) You Reap What You Sow (Galatians 6:7)
Paul’s words in Galatians 6:7—”Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap”—remind us that our actions have consequences. In simpler terms, this means that the choices we make have a direct impact on the outcomes we experience. Leadership is no different. A leader who sows dishonesty will reap distrust, while a leader who sows integrity will cultivate loyalty.
Think about the workplace culture you are creating. Are you sowing seeds of encouragement and excellence or seeds of fear and control? Every action plants a seed that will one day bear fruit. The way you treat employees, the investments you make in people, and the character you display will determine the kind of leader you become and the legacy you leave behind.
Consider a leader who consistently sows fairness and empowerment. Over time, their team becomes more engaged, motivated, and productive. However, a leader who fosters division and mistrust will eventually struggle with disengaged employees and a fractured organization. The principle of sowing and reaping is inescapable—choose your seeds wisely.
2) You Reap More Than You Sow (Hosea 8:7)
The Bible tells us in Hosea 8:7 that “they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.” This is a sobering reminder that we don’t just reap what we sow—we reap more than we sow. Small actions lead to significant results, for better or worse. This principle should guide our every action, urging us to sow wisely and with care.
A few words of encouragement can build a high-performing team. Likewise, a single moment of dishonesty can destroy years of trust. What you plant will grow exponentially—so plant wisely.
Leaders must recognize that their influence has a ripple effect. Whether good or bad, one decision can multiply in impact across an entire organization. A single compromise in integrity might seem minor at the moment, but it can erode the very foundation of trust within a team. On the other hand, consistently sowing wisdom, patience, and faithfulness can lead to a leadership legacy that endures long after you are gone.
3) You Reap in a Different Season Than You Sow (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
Leadership often feels frustrating because we expect instant results. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 reminds us, “For everything there is a season… a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” The reality is we don’t see the harvest immediately after planting.
Many leaders quit too soon because they don’t see immediate results. Patience and perseverance are crucial. Keep investing in people, even when you don’t see fruit immediately. The harvest will come in its time.
This principle applies to mentorship, leadership development, and even business growth. If leaders build a strong ethical foundation but don’t see results immediately, they might be tempted to cut corners. However, faithfulness in sowing the right seeds will always yield results in the long run. Don’t grow weary in doing good, for in due time, you will reap a harvest.
4) You Must Sow to Reap (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:6, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” This law reminds us that we cannot expect a harvest without first planting seeds. Leaders must intentionally develop others, serve with humility, and invest in the future. Above all, we must sow with integrity, ensuring that our actions align with our values and faith.
Want a strong team? Develop people. Want a culture of excellence? Model it. The more you sow, the greater your potential harvest.
Conclusion
Leadership is a long-term investment, and the Laws of the Harvest are always at work. Every choice you make, every word you speak, and every action you take is a seed that will grow into a harvest. What kind of harvest do you want?
The greatest leaders understand that success isn’t an overnight event—it’s the result of consistent, intentional sowing. You may not see the results today, but your faithfulness will bear fruit in time. Keep sowing integrity, wisdom, and perseverance, and trust that God will bring forth a bountiful harvest in your leadership and influence.
So, what are you planting today? Because one thing is certain—you will reap what you sow.
Action Steps for Leaders
Applying the Laws of the Harvest requires intentionality. Here are five practical steps to help you cultivate a leadership style that yields lasting, God-honoring results.
- Examine what you’re sowing. What kind of leadership culture are you creating? Identify areas for change.
- Be patient. Trust that the seeds you plant today will bear fruit in due season.
- Invest in others. Mentor and develop those around you to ensure a lasting legacy.
- Sow with integrity. Make sure your actions align with your values and faith.
- Pray for wisdom. Ask God to guide your leadership decisions so that you sow wisely.
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.
- What seeds are you planting in your leadership? Are they positive or negative?
- Have you experienced a time when you reaped more than you sowed—either good or bad?
- How can leaders remain patient when they don’t see immediate results?
- How can leaders sow integrity and trust in their organizations?
- How does understanding the Laws of the Harvest shape your perspective on leadership?
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.
- #628: The Law of the Harvest: How Leaders Reap What They Sow
- #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?
Join the Conversation
As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences. Which of these laws of the harvest do you think are most lacking or missing in leaders today?
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Category: Skills/Accountability
I mentored a young detective in our police department, and encouraged him to pursue graduate studies, which he did. And then, unfortunately for us, down the road, he left our department for another agency. Fast forward years later and I’m now retired. I get a message via LinkedIn, from the former detective. We connect via phone, and he excitedly tells me that he just received his PhD in criminal Justice, and he’s teaching now. He wanted to thank me for inspiring him and encouraging him to further his education. That’s when I realized that no good deed is wasted.