Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. —Genesis 1:11-12 (NIV)

The Law of Underserved Harvest – we reap what we did not sow.

1. Be determined to focus on the good side of the Law of Underserved Harvest.

“Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 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 4:36-38 (NIV)

2. Don’t get disillusioned when a bad underserved harvest shows up in your life.

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.” The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ ” —Matthew 13:24-30 (NIV)

3. Don’t worry about what happens that’s outside of your control.

…aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs… —1 Thessalonians 4:11 (ESV)

Discussion Questions

Icebreaker: What is your irrational phobia?

Group Activity Part 1: As a group, brainstorm some things that on a regular basis weigh heavily on our minds. Try to be specific. For example: Don’t just say “weather,” say, “hail storms.” For each item you come up with, have it written on a post-it note that’s provided. Try to come up with between 10 – 15 things. For now, keep the sticky notes off to the side.

Group Activity Part 2: Today, Pastor Jeff talked to us about a topic that is from The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. He told us about two circles, “The Circle of Concern” and “The Circle of Influence.” The Circle of Concern represent things we can’t control, and The Circle of Influence represent things we can do something about. On the wall next to you, you will have a piece of paper hanging up with two circles drawn with these two labels. Look back at your sticky notes. As a table, decide which circle each of those sticky notes should go. If there isn’t a clear consensus, take a vote.

Group Activity Part 3: Once you’re finished, take a look at the circles. Which circle has the most sticky notes in it? If the “Circle of Concern” has the most, then the table is more reactive. If the “Circle of Influence” has the most, then the table is more proactive. What’s the difference between reactive and proactive? Which, as followers of Christ, should we be more like?

Look up Romans 8:28. What does this Bible verse say about everything we just listed?

How can we sow “good seed” into the lives of others?

Going deeper:

Over the course of the next few weeks, take one idea that was discussed from the last question and do it.