Issue #203, March 22, 2017
The writer of Ecclesiastes, in the passage on timing, says that there is “a time to plant” (Ecclesiastes 3:2). Farmers know that there is a time for sowing seeds in anticipation of a harvest. Leaders also recognize the value of sowing. Leaders “sow” ideas in their own minds and plant them in the minds of others. They invest time and energy in a vision or dream that God is calling them to pursue long before they see results. They do not sit around and dream of a harvest, they sow strategically. Servant leaders realize that these seeds will take time to develop but they sow carefully and deliberately. They are willing to invest in the present with the hope of a future harvest. Isaiah uses the analogy of farming to teach servant leaders important lessons on when it is time to sow. When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing the soil? When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cummin? Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? His God instructs him and teaches him the right way (Isaiah 28:24-26).
It’s time to sow when the season is proper.
No farmer would waste seed by planting in the wrong season. There is a growing season in every climate which determines the best time for planting. The farmer starts plowing soon before the time of planting. Leaders watch the seasons. They observe changes that are happening around them. They see and seize opportunities that unfold. As they observe what is happening they realize it’s time to invest in a future harvest. For a business leader the investment may be in a new product or service. A church leader may see the migration of a people group towards his location and recognize the opportunity to sow now for a future harvest. Servant leaders look ahead and realize that now is the season to sow.
It’s time to sow when soil is prepared.
The farmer plows before planting to prepare the soil. For leaders this preparation is a time to think and plan, listen to God’s voice, and get the vision clear. This is a time for leaders to invest much in their own growth and development. This preparation happens quietly, out of the limelight but is critical for a good harvest. Servant leaders carefully prepare themselves before sowing.
It’s time to sow when the seed is planned.
Isaiah mentions several different types of seeds, each carefully chosen by the farmer. They consider the soil conditions and desired outcome. They plant a variety of seeds, knowing that some crops will do better than others but not always knowing which one will grow the best. They plant different seeds, not knowing which will be the most productive. They plant wisely, but generously! Farmers, and servant leaders, plan before sowing!
It’s time to sow when the sower is perceptive.
Isaiah says that it is God who guides the farmer and teaches him. Servant leaders must be perceptive to what God is saying before they will be able to know that it’s time to sow. Servant leaders seek God’s insight to determine the season they are in. They ask for His help in preparing the soil and knowing what seed to plant. They seek His guidance on the plan of action. When they know these things, they realize it’s time to sow and they invest much time and energy into planting.
Servant leaders sow carefully and wisely. They examine the season and prepare themselves. They plan properly and listen prayerfully. They don’t expect an immediate harvest; they understand this is a time for sowing. If you are in a season of sowing, plant well…harvest time is coming! We’ll look at the time to harvest in the next issue.
For further reflection and discussion:
- What is the anticipated harvest in my leadership? (When you have a clear picture of what your desired outcomes are, consider the following questions on sowing or planting.)
- What season am I in as a leader? What do I see around and ahead that indicates the season that I am in? Is this a season in my leadership in which I should focus on planting?
- What needs to be prepared in my leadership before planting can take place? Have I clarified my own vision? What has God called me to do? Do I have a clear sense of my own strengths and weaknesses? Do I have a good plan for my own personal growth as a leader?
- Before I invest my time and energy, have I planned well? What are the ‘weeds’ that might destroy my plan? Have I considered other options? Am I investing with enough diversity so that even if one does not produce; another can succeed?
- Am I perceptive to how God is guiding me before I sow? How have I confirmed His direction? What do I need to do to move with confidence that He is guiding me?