Word for the day “Embrace the principle of reciprocity”
Galatians 6:7 (KJV) Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
Beloved Leaders,
I just wanted to share a small sample size of the principle of reciprocity for your leadership journey. I believe you will see and learn some valuable leadership components for your life. Especially since the lion's share of leadership is about giving, sowing, and reaping.
THE SPIRITUAL LAW OF RECIPROCITY IS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR LIVES.
The Law of Reciprocity, also known as the Law of Sowing and Reaping, allows us to receive as a result of what we give or do. In fact, in many instances, we can and are recipients of receiving more than we can think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Especially when God is your ultimate purpose of sowing and reaping, amazing outcomes are experienced. Scripture makes it clear we might receive the same thing we give, such as mercy (Matthew 5:7). On the other hand; we might not receive in kind, such as receiving what we need from God in exchange for making our heart the Lord’s treasure (Matthew 6:19). Believe it or not, most times we receive more than we give.
For example, if we sow more seed, we get a larger harvest (II Corinthians 9:6); or we’ll receive from others in proportion to our generosity extended (Luke 6:38). As a matter of fact, the understanding of the Law of Reciprocity today seems always to lead to talk about money; how we receive in proportion to our giving or generosity. We all, at times, can struggle with this traditional approach to giving: If I give, then I’ll get. It must be said. However, such thoughts are the result of self-centered thinking; trying to use God’s laws and principles for personal gain is a faulty premise for giving.
I sincerely believe the principle will still work even if we’re motivated by selfishness, yet we may not be pleasing to the Lord with this short-sighted intent and motive. Here’s the joy of this law: If we give or serve selflessly, simply trusting God to take care of us as He purposed is appropriate, then the Lord is not limited to increasing what the Law of Reciprocity would normally return to us. That is, if we prove ourselves faithful by using whatever resources we must serve in a manner that honors God, the Lord can entrust us with more and will increase our return (Luke 6:38).
WHEN WE GIVE AS UNTO THE LORD, WE SET IN MOTION SPIRITUAL FORCES AND WILL EXPERIENCE AMAZING RESULTS.
We also deceive ourselves when we think we will not reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). As people of God, we sometimes think we are exempt from this principle, but we are not. Even though our sins are forgiven, we will have to live with the results and consequences of our thoughts, words, and actions, whether good or bad. Reciprocity is not something that can be exact, of course, because what one person can do, another person cannot. Reciprocity and cooperation are so valuable precisely because we all do have various strengths and weaknesses. The fact that we reap what we sow is good news for those who choose to sow good practices.
But a frightening thought for those currently involved in ungodly activities such as bad-mouthing people, drug and alcohol abuse, neglect of family, or abuse of others in order to gain some measure of personal success. The Scriptures are full of warnings about self-deception. (James 1:26) reminds us that we deceive ourselves when we think we are religious but do not bridle our tongue and commit to strengthening our character. There is nothing that grieves God more than when we bad-mouth people instead of building them up with our speech.
We are never to use our tongues to put others down. Instead, we are to edify one another in what we say and thereby give grace to those who hear us. If your tongue is out of control, you are really fooling yourself into believing that you have your spiritual life together.
POINT TO PONDER
Your life may be measured by what you reap, but it is determined by what you sow. For example, if you want a friend, be a friend (Proverbs 18:22). What you get out of life in many cases, is what you put into it. Selfishness and greed are inappropriate, so they will limit the results we receive. On the other hand, as we develop godly character and learn to serve God and people in humility, the Lord is released to bless us with far more than we need to advance in every good work and increase our resources so we can be generous on every occasion.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, guard us against the self-deception of thinking; you will always cover for us or pull us out of the jams we get ourselves into. Help us learn to sow what we hope to reap, fully knowing you always exceed our expectations; in Christ's name Amen!
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in May 2023, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Mr. Brent Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Shawna Chester, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Mr. William Buchanan Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Jennifer Sanchez, Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Ollie Tipton, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Mr. Calvin Griffith, and, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,