I REAP WHAT OTHERS PLANT.

I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.  John 4:38

We’re not the only planter in the universe. Other people are planting all around us. Sometimes we reap, both good and bad, from those who went before us. Some of you grew up, sadly, in families with a history of abuse. And a history of alcoholism. A history of ignoring and even rejecting the very idea of God. And you have to decide–the chain breaks now. I can’t control the past, but I’m going to break the chain of negativity now. What are some negative things in your life that were planted in you by someone else? How have those things affected you? What will you do to break that chain in your own family? Now make a short list of good things in your life that were sown by someone else? If you grew up in a church, what were some good things sown in your life by that church? I’ll bet that you never gave much thought to who provided those things for you, who sacrificed so you could have them, and who gave generously so they would always be there. Who were some of those who sowed spiritual seed in your life that you could thank (if they were still living)? A family from Crossroads recently told a story about the impact of the Crossroads Kids ministry on their three girls. They were chanting, “Church! Church! We love church!” as they rode in the car. One daughter was asked at school to describe someone very special to her. She wrote, “I ker about God. Beckas he loves us. Oso he dus nice theeings. Oso he is special. Oso I blieve in him.” What we do now will continue to impact our children and grandchildren as well as the kids and grandkids of everyone who calls Crossroads their church now and in future generations. Will we leave a legacy of faith or fear and doubt? Will we leave a legacy of generosity or stinginess? Others will reap what we sow.  

1. What did you hear? What did God say to you as you read today’s Scripture and Devotion?
2. What do you think? How does it apply to your life?
3. What will you do? Don’t just be a hearer of the word. Be a doer of the word. (James 1:22)
4. Now Talk To God: This is where you turn your thoughts into prayer. It could be a prayer of gratitude or praise. It could be a prayer of confession or a request for God’s help. Take a minute to write a prayer of response.