by Barbara Latta
Planting season is here. Gardeners are plowing fields making
soil ready to receive the seeds that will 
bring a harvest in a few weeks.
Water, fertilizer and sunshine will be applied to the ground. Seedlings sprout
and soon large plants produce vegetation or flowers for the gardener to enjoy.
In Mark 4:1-20, Jesus told the parable of the sower as an
illustration of the human heart. All of us who have been believers for any
length of time have probably been in each of these groups at one time or
another. The important lesson we learn from this example is what Jesus said
after sharing this story with his disciples.
The parallels from the parable are:
Seed that fell by the wayside = Apathetic Christian: These
are people who may go to church but do not get involved in ministry or have a
heart for sharing the gospel. They only care about their own lives and what can
be done for them. They may call themselves Christians but may not really be
born again.
Stony Ground = Rootless Christian: This would be those who
are excited about the message they hear but they do not continue to study and
grow. When bad things happen, they may stop attending church, question God or totally
reject Him.
Thorny Ground = Distracted Christian: This group of people
puts more emphasis on their problems and the desire for things than the power
of God. The seed is mixed with worldly influence and they can become confused
and unable to know what is right or wrong.
Good Soil = Fertile Christian: These are the ones who spend
time in the Word listening to God and praying so the seed of the Word produces results
in their lives and every need is met.
Pay attention to what you hear. By your own standard of
measurement [that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply
godly wisdom] it will be measured to you [and you will be given even greater
ability to respond]-and more will be given to you besides. For whoever has [a
teachable heart], to him more [understanding will be given; and whoever does
not have [a yearning for truth], even what he has will be taken away from
him (Mark 4:24-25 AMP).
We can learn from planting season as we watch seeds grow in
gardens. Our heart is God’s garden and it is our responsibility to prepare the
soil for the seed if we desire an abundant spiritual harvest.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
My mom has beautiful gardens, but those dang weeds pop up so fast. By the time she’s done weeding, they’re already growing up again where she started. Weeding is a never ending job (which is why I’m not a gardener!) but the fruit of her labor is incredibly beautiful. It’s the same in our lives, the weeds will choke out the beauty if we don’t pluck them up and throw them out!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about those weeds. I was pulling some yesterday and have a sore back because of it! But those soul weeds can sprout up just as fast and that's why we need spiritual Round-up to kill them. Thanks, Josie, for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteFor the past few years, I've been prompted to pull the weeds and thorns of distraction out of my life. Just as one gets cleared out, another one pops up. I suppose this life will never be completely free of weeds and thorns, but my hope and intention are to nurture the roots of faith and allow God to do the pruning.
ReplyDeleteWe are surrounded by weed seeds in this life and yes, we do have to continually pull them out. The more we do allow God to do the pruning the less those weeds can affect our decisions. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteBarbara, this sentence reminds us of our responsibility: "Our heart is God’s garden and it is our responsibility to prepare the soil for the seed if we desire an abundant spiritual harvest." May our hearts be fertile soil. Thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jeannie, my heart's prayer is for a heart that is fertile soil for the Word of God. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
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