Thanks for sharing this @Jefferson . I still remember the first time I heard this. It was like a lightbulb moment for me. It is a stark reminder that every good thing we have comes from God, including all of his provision. But all of God’s provision isn’t for our consumption. Some of it is, but some is actually meant for further investment. 

Just because we have money in our bank account, doesn’t mean it’s only to meet our own needs or wants. Just because we get a pay increase at work, doesn’t mean we can automatically put the increase toward our carnal desires. Even if those things seem “right” or justified in our own eyes. 

Financial decisions require discernment (all decisions, really!). And discernment comes by the Spirit of God. I believe the Holy Spirit that helps us discern what is seed versus what is bread. But we also have to prepare our hearts and minds to receive His wisdom and instruction. 


We are responsible for being wise with our finances, and being honest with ourselves about what we actually need (basic necessities) versus what is a luxury. A sober perspective and consistent, honest review of our finances will help us to keep our flesh at bay, and remind us that we already have more than we need. And it opens us up to hear the Holy Spirit and how He might instruct us to give. Or He may convict us of poor spending habits, and ask us to correct our behavior. But we have to be ready and actively listening for guidance in this area.

The danger of eating your seed is that you think you’re helping yourself, maybe by buying something new and fancy, but you are actually penalizing yourself. That’s the deception of the enemy. If you choose not to invest in the way that God desires, you will never see the increase from that investment – you won’t see the blessing in someone else’s life, ministry, business venture, etc. or the harvest that you would reap in your own.

There’s so many Scriptures coming to mind, so I will just list them here:
Romans 8:5-14
1 John 3:17
Gal 5:13-14
Phil 2:3-4
Prov 14:12
Luke 6:38
2 Cor 9:6-7

Phew, I have a lot of passion around this! Didn’t expect to type this long lol Maybe I need to do some research and prepare an entire sermon! But here are my closing thoughts:

The world’s economy is about spending. God’s economy is about giving. So it’s only right that when He gives to us, He expects us to give in return. And when we give, He multiplies it back! It’s like He just can’t stop Himself from being generous! And that’s the God we are meant to emulate.

When we become strictly consumers without giving of our resources (donating to those in need, investing in others or in godly ideas, supporting ministries, etc), we head down a dangerous path. In nature, that’s how water bodies become stagnant and polluted. In the church, that’s how people become puffed up with knowledge but ineffective in ministering to others. Giving is critical to a productive life.