Many ancient Greeks relied on Demeter, the goddess of grain and agriculture, to produce a harvest. Worship would keep food on your table while drought and famine must have been the result of her being angered. The Romans prayed to Demeter and built large temples, including one in Corinth, to show their devotion so that she would provide for them. This is transactional self-preservation – if I do this, she will give me that.
Paul writes:
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
To the Corinthians, this imagery would have provoked a contrast to Demeter without ever mentioning her name. Paul reminds them that it is God that provides for them. And that He does so not only for their provision, but also so that they can be generous to others in His name.
I don’t follow Demeter, but I can be tempted to trust in things just as flimsy – like my job title, hard work or even the government. Those things can be useful, but ultimately, it is God who provides. And He does so, not so I can consume or pile up more, but so I can be a conduit for Him. This is the same church Paul wrote to earlier reminding that we are the Body of Christ. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus to bring His provision to the world in His name. And may His work through us produce thanksgiving to God.
