1Corinthians 15:37-38 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body (KJV).

While this passage of Scripture pertains to what type of bodies we will have at the resurrection, there is an important principle given in these two verses. It is God Who determines the result of what is sown, not us. It is according to what pleases Him; not what pleases man. There is a teaching that says we can name our seed when we "sow a financial gift." For one thing, if it is truly a gift, there should be no strings attached to it. Secondly, it loses sight of the purpose for giving and receiving. Truthfully, in some circles, this teaching is used to manipulate an offering. In a number of cases it appeals to selfish desires and has nothing to do with the will of God; although, God has been blamed for this teaching (i.e., "God showed me this principle"). Are they saying we can buy the blessings of God? Does it mean that it is Jesus plus a donation that will get our prayers answered? Do we really need to pay someone who is on TV to pray for us in order for God to move in our lives? Whatever happened to praying according to the will of the Father in the Name of Jesus? Are they saying our brothers and sisters who live near us are not good enough to pray for us? Maybe we need to pay them to pray for us too.

Our aim should be to study to see if something is so; it is not to prove something true or not. If we try to prove a point, we may miss God's point. If we try to disprove a principle, we are studying to disbelieve. In all that we do, we need God's council. Therefore, study what is being presented here to see if the principles laid out conform to the Word of God. The bottom line, we should always seek the Truth in the way God intended it, regardless of what we think we know.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (KJV). In simple terms, we will reap what we sow. Therefore, God will determine what type of fruit the seed we plant produces. For example, if we were to plant orange seeds, we would not expect to get apple trees. We cannot pay for mercy; we must extend mercy to receive it (see Matthew 5:7). Money should only be involved if it is an act of mercy given out of love. That is to say, if we see someone in need, as an act of love and mercy, we may financially bless him. We are not giving unto him with the idea of getting something in return. We do not give in order to get. However, God will financial bless those who give, but in a variety of ways. Sometimes, He may give someone a promotion at his job, or perhaps a significant raise. He may cause our money to stretch further than it normally would go. To some, He will give creative ideas to start a business, or cause an existing one to grow. Vehicles and appliances last longer than they otherwise would, and so on. In all, He will bless as He sees fit. The question is: why?

1Corinthians 9:8-13 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;). Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men (KJV).

One reason is so we may abound in every good work. Essentially, He blesses us so we may be a blessing in His Kingdom. While He does love to bless us, He also desires us to be like Him. God is constantly blessing people, and we too, should be doing the same. Therefore, He will supply us with what we need to bless to others. Secondly, it causes people to be thankful to God through our generosity, which ultimately glorifies Him. Something to keep in mind is that it is about Him!