We would all have to admit that there have been few times in any of our lives where we have experienced so much change in such a short period of time. In response to all of the changes that have occurred in our world, country and businesses in recent months, someone recently asked me the question, “Is there anything in this world that we can count on remaining the same and not changing?” In response to that question there is a timeless principle that exists in our world that is both unchanging and unbreakable. As a matter of fact, everything that we are presently witnessing and experiencing in this world is the direct result and outcome of this principle. The principle to which I refer is the principle of sowing and reaping. Technically, this principle is an agricultural principle. Whatever the particular seed is that a farmer sows or plants in the ground, in time, is going to be the particular crop that the farmer will reap or harvest. This timeless principle was true one hundred years ago, and it will be equally true one hundred years from now.
The principle of sowing and reaping is a principle that governs the life of every leader. Leadership, just like life itself, is one continuous series of choices. As leaders, each of us are who and what we are today because of all of the choices we have made up to this point in our lives. The quality of our spiritual, physical, emotional, professional, financial and interpersonal lives are the direct result of the seeds we have been sowing in each of these areas for years. In this time of unprecedented upheaval, we must reject the lie that proposes that things are so far beyond our control that we are powerless to affect significant change. Nothing could be further from the truth. The principle of sowing and reaping, when applied to leadership, assures us that we can become the change agents this world, and our organizations need through our leadership.
The principle of sowing and reaping challenges us to assume personal responsibility for our lives. This principle reminds us that the law of “cause and effect” is in operation every day of our lives. An unhealthy diet and a lack of exercise will lead to poor physical health. Impulsive spending will lead to financial indebtedness and ruin. Relational neglect and insensitivity will lead to relational disharmony and dysfunction. In every realm of life, it is an undeniable reality that we are always reaping in the present what we have sown in the past.
At this moment in history, our world desperately needs political and business leaders who know how to apply the principle of sowing and reaping to the leadership they are providing for others. When leaders sow seeds of character and integrity they will reap the trust, credibility and support of their followers. When leaders sow seeds of competency they will reap the confidence of their followers. When leaders sow seeds of wisdom, discernment and good judgement they will reap the respect of their followers. When leaders sow seeds of respect, empathy and consideration they will reap the loyalty of their followers.
In these changing times, it is absolutely critical for leaders to grasp and apply the unchanging principle of sowing and reaping. The current state of the world, and in particular the business climate we are presently leading in requires leadership intentionality as never before. As leaders, we are always sowing seeds and reaping the consequences of those seeds. For the sake of those who follow our leadership, let’s sow seeds that will bring them hope and positive change.
