The Law of the Harvest
March 4, 2010

The Apostle Paul believed in the Law of the Harvest. He knew God had established a spiritual law that, like the Law of Gravity, is inviolable. That's why Paul said, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7).

The Law of the Harvest teaches us a number of valuable lessons: We reap only if we sow. We reap only what we sow. We reap more than we sow. We reap after we sow. Take a moment and slowly read those lessons once more. As you consider them consider also the fact that they cannot be violated.

With that in mind it impresses me that every moment of every day I sow seeds into my life. If I sow spiritual seed into my heart I'll reap purity, honesty and peace. If I sow fleshly seed I'll reap a harvest of impurity, dishonesty, and strife. I've noticed that in the course of a day, I usually sow both. Unfortunately, some of the weeds that have grown from a previous sowing are deep-rooted and it may take years to get them out. That means I need to tirelessly uproot weeds that are sprouting while continuing to sow good seeds.

But there's another area where we need to sow spiritual seed. And that involves the kind of friends we cultivate. If we want to reap a life of personal integrity and purpose we must develop friendships with men who will help pull the weeds from our heart-or, at least point them out-and scatter spiritual seed in their place. We all need a few close friends. Friends who lovingly hold us accountable for keeping our life focused, balanced, and pure.

I've had the privilege of traveling across the United States and the world. Yet, my favorite cities are always those where I've got friends who challenge me spiritually. I've discovered that my life is much more than writing books and talking to men. It's more than rescuing orphans in India. It's about keeping my heart free of weeds that could choke out my spiritual vitality. It's about planting seeds from God's word into my heart so they can produce godliness. And I need close friends to help me with this labor.

I believe that a man who spends considerable time with others who don't understand his faith, or who are antagonistic toward it, is likely in a place where he can make a difference for the kingdom of God. But he also needs friendships based on accountability and caring so that others will see God's grace in his words and actions. The bottom line is this: If you want to reap honesty, integrity, and purity, you'll sow into the lives of a few men.

February 19 , 2009: Learn to Move a 100-Car Train

I've always been fascinated by trains. I used to lay in bed at night, before falling asleep, and imagine climbing into a freight car and traveling across the country. Even now when I hear a faraway train whistle from the deck of my house it stirs up an urge to travel.

November 6, 2005: The Value of Secrets

It may surprise you to discover that there is nothing you can do to endear yourself to others more than opening up and being vulnerable. If you’ll build more windows and fewer walls, you’ll have more shoulder to shoulder friends. We all need at least one person to whom we can tell everything.

October 24, 2005: Finding Success That Matters

Brothers, I urge you to join me in investing our lives into endeavors that truly matter, into things that are of eternal consequence. The crowns that the world bestows on us wither away all too quickly. But long after the accolades are gone and the light fades on our careers, we can wear a crown that lasts forever if we yield our time, treasures and talents to God.