Cast Your Bread

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1)

Solomon has very wise words to share with each of us today, and it is my honor to pass them on. We are, here in the Western world (United States, specifically), in the middle of a government shutdown, awaiting the passage of the new national budget. This is causing distress across the whole of our nation. Retirees, disabled, military, and government workers all are feeling the effects of it as they patiently wait to see whether or not they will be able to eat or pay bills next month. While this is only temporary (at this point), it causes us to look toward God and acknowledge that it is He, and He alone, that is our Source. It also gives us good cause to look out for the needs of others. This is, of course, where the Church should be enabled to step up; sadly, our churches have preached a poverty-conscious message for so long that they, too, are lacking in funds and resources to help our communities. Let’s dig into this a bit deeper.

The author wrote that we are to “cast our bread upon the waters…” The word used in this verse doesn’t just refer to a loaf of baked goods: instead, it is also commonly interpreted as bread-seed, corn seed, or anything along that line. The reader is encouraged, therefore, to take some of what he or she has harvested (earned, gained) and sow it (invest it) in something other than his or her own belly. The Bible has much to say about us consuming our wealth in the pursuit of satisfying our bellies. We are to look around us and find those causes that are reputable in their service to mankind and support their efforts. First and foremost, of course, would be our local church – the one to whom we go and from whom we get our spiritual guidance. Secondly, there are para-church organizations and ministries that do food pantries, utility assistance, etc, into whom we can sow.

But let’s make this personal. After you and I have given our tithes (according to scriptural guidance), then we can, individually, search for those (we won’t have to look far, I promise) who need help. Godly wisdom must be the guide of the day for this, however. We don’t want to enable those who will take and take and take without doing anything for themselves. We search for those who are truly in need. I know that sounds harsh, perhaps, but remember we are to be wise stewards of those things God has given us. We give – not to get back, but – to be a blessing. As such, we must emulate the heart and actions of our heavenly Father. Yes, He does cause it to rain upon the just and the unjust (for those of you who were warming that one up), but the same God also told us to not cast our pearls before the swine. He will not grant His blessing upon those who are in open obedience or are living outside His commanded will.

Those seeds we sow have many different purposes. Some seeds we sow in the hope of return. Some seeds we sow for the long-term expectation of harvest (in the case of savings, investment, and annuity accounts). Other seeds, however, like the one addressed in our verse today, serve a completely different purpose. These seeds are sown into the lives of those around us for the purpose showing them the goodness and mercy of God – with the prayers that they will come to Him of their own accord. God’s blessings in our lives are meant to enable us to spread His gospel to the world.

“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:6). So wrote David concerning sowing and reaping in this area. We don’t sow only our material goods (money, food, clothes, etc) into the lives of others. We also (and more importantly) sow our very lives into the mission of spreading the love of God. Missionaries are the prime example of this work, followed by pastors, evangelists, prophets, teachers, and the like. But you and I have the same commission: to go forth into all the world, … teaching them to observe all things (He) has commanded us…” That command belongs to you and me, my friend.

Today I encourage you to let God begin showing you areas of service in which you may participate. Then, according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, serve as you can. It doesn’t have to be something huge. Just start where you are with what you have and let God multiply back to you that you can serve more.

Be blessed.