2 Corinthians 9:6, NIV: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

The old adage tells us, "You will get out of something, that which you put into it." If you are like me, you hear such things and nod in agreement, then take account of all the things you've done only half-heartedly. We know, for instance, that good health requires good eating and exercise. And success at most everything requires hard work. How many times have you thought about how nice it would be to be better at a skill or talent, or to excel at your work, or to be a stronger Christian? God knows our needs and how to meet them. We can think of things God has shown us to do to accomplish much. So what stops us? We reap sparingly because we sow sparingly. We fall short of the greatness God would bring, because we fall short of what we could accomplish if only we gave it our all. But God is able to help us to overcome, and give us what we need to learn to sow greatly in all the things that truly matter.