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The Sower And The Seed
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July 18, 2023
As an individual who takes great pleasure in maintaining a beautiful lawn, I am constantly striving to enhance its appearance. Achieving a lush and healthy lawn involves a multitude of factors.
To begin with, selecting the right seed is crucial. Not all grass seed is equal in quality, and it's often true that you get what you pay for. Different geographical regions have specific seed requirements, and within each area, numerous engineered cultivars are available for consideration.
The growth of my grass is influenced by various elements, including fertilization, watering, and external conditions like temperature and weather. Additionally, how and where I plant the seed plays a significant role in determining its success.
it's worth mentioning that Jesus spoke extensively about seed, using it as a metaphor for spiritual growth. One of His most renowned sermons, found in Matthew 13, elaborates on the concept of spiritual seed and its development.
Today, I aim to explore how you can apply the teachings from Jesus' sermon to your own life, drawing parallels between the nurturing of a beautiful lawn and the cultivation of spiritual growth.
Not all seed is created equal.
The quality of seed matters greatly, and not all seed is created equal. While generic grass seed may be available at places like Home Depot, opting for a landscaping store frequented by professionals often yields superior results. The grade of seed from the right source proves resilient, withstanding the challenges of New England's summers and harsh winters. Conversely, inferior seed might initially appear fine but ultimately succumbs to wear and tear, unable to endure the region's conditions. Success in lawn care starts with choosing good seed.
A parallel can be drawn with our spiritual lives. What we allow into our hearts significantly impacts our spiritual growth and success. In today's world, numerous seeds vie for our attention, and the one we embrace shapes the course of our lives. Lackluster spirituality might indicate poor seed choices. Evaluating how we spend our time and whether we invest in meaningful spiritual activities or engage in less significant pursuits can reveal the nature of the seeds we're planting. The seed that God offers requires some effort on our part, akin to nurturing a great lawn. However, as we tend to it with care, we gradually start to radiate beauty and transformation.
Where do the landscapers shop?
To foster successful spiritual growth, it's essential to seek opportunities in the right places, much like landscapers do when searching for quality seed. Where did the saints go to enrich their spirituality? I bet it wasn’t in a box store! Why were they successful? What did they do that I am not doing?
Surrounding ourselves with individuals who hunger to know God and attending church can create a conducive environment for spiritual development. Avoiding negative influences, such as gossip and idle chatter, is vital, as they can hinder spiritual progress. Instead, planting good thoughts and emotions in our hearts, while steering clear of envy, pride, and bitterness, leads to healthier spiritual growth.
Factors of Growth
The process of growing grass is challenging, especially in New England, where native species and weeds tend to thrive more easily. Achieving a beautiful lawn demands considerable effort and time, as various factors influence the growth. Hot weather can scorch the seed, while cool weather can dry it out. Finding the right balance of water is crucial for successful germination. Preparing the soil properly, even amending it when needed, is essential for seed reception and growth. You simply cannot grow grass on hard soil. You need to till the soil and make it pliable else it will certainly die. Cynical hearts are hard to penetrate. Try to maintain a proper posture within yourself, and as God sows his seeds into your heart, it shall firmly take root.
In a similar vein, God sees the potential beauty in us and is willing to invest in our growth, even with the knowledge of the challenges ahead of us. Yielding to God's guidance and care allows us to become beautiful in His eyes. Like a well-maintained lawn, a life in harmony with God's guidance is truly something wonderful to behold.
Success Requires Persistence
When I care for my lawn, I am far from indifferent. Success requires persistent effort. I keep a vigilant eye, searching for any signs of disease or insect infestations that could jeopardize the hard work I've invested. Diligence plays a pivotal role in maintaining my lawns health and beauty. Weeds always bloom more aggressively than the fine bladed grass I desire. It is an uphill battle all season long.
Likewise, our spiritual journey demands a sense of discernment. We must honestly assess where we stand in our spirituality. Indifference can lead to stagnation or even failure in our growth. Jesus emphasized the dangers of being lukewarm, urging us to be fervent and committed in our spiritual pursuit.
The weeds of my personal life are persistently diligent, and at times, they appear poised to overpower me completely. Yet, in this vast garden of our existence, we are blessed with a wiser gardener, one who transcends our small world. He plants and He prunes in the garden of our own lives.
Our battle is also seasonal. There will come a day when every tear will be wiped away. To those that have been faithful God will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Proper Nourishment and Unwanted Adversaries
Water is essential for the survival of all living things, including the plants in our care. As a responsible property owner, I diligently regulate the amount and frequency of water application to ensure the well-being of my grass. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we cannot thrive without the constant and indispensable assistance of the Holy Spirit.
In the end, it is He who enables our growth, even amidst life's trials that may make us feel as if we are trapped in a fiery furnace. Gradually, the impurities are removed, leaving behind a better version of ourselves.
Maintaining a healthy lawn can be seriously threatened by insects, and surprisingly, the good cultivars of grass are more susceptible to these threats. Insects tend to avoid feasting on inferior grass. Hence, we must be cautious not to lose the battle against this aggressive adversary.
Similarly, Satan doesn't concern himself much with those who align with his ways; his primary goal is to trip you up. Therefore, it's crucial to stay watchful and vigilant. Just like Satan was allowed to sift Peter, he seeks opportunities to challenge and test us on our spiritual journey. But remember, nothing touches you without the consent of God.
Just as plants require fertilizer for robust growth our spiritual lives thrive when nourished with constant prayer, scripture, and Christian fellowship. The uplifting experience of being in the company of like-minded individuals, praying together, and sharing our faith provides us with a renewed sense of energy and spiritual vitality.
End of Season
As the season ends, I make sure to apply a nourishing winterizer fertilizer to my lawn and diligently clear away any debris from the yard. New Englanders have a knack for raking, and it often amuses me how we might be among the cleanest people in the world.
During the cold and harsh winter days, that final feeding of fertilizer helps the grass withstand the challenges ahead. Life can be unpredictable, and we don't always know what lies ahead. When I share the message of Christ with others, I always emphasize the importance of not waiting until difficult times arrive before seeking a relationship with Him. Just as we prepare our lawns for the winter, we should also invest in our spiritual health beforehand. Attempting to face the icy winds of life without a strong spiritual foundation can leave us ill-equipped to manage the hardships ahead.
As the season ends, a proactive individual might already be planning for the following year, seeking to optimize their lawn care approach through research and experimentation. Similarly, the church provides us with precious moments for reflection, stillness, and tracking our spiritual progress, notably during Lent and Christmas.
Embracing the seasonal ebb and flow of our rich spiritual traditions is encouraged and celebrated. By participating in these meaningful rituals and practices, we can deepen our connection to our faith and find renewed inspiration along our spiritual journey.
Discernment is an essential aspect of our spirituality. To make proper choices, we must engage in introspective examination, understanding where we currently stand and where we aspire to go. One pivotal question we must always ask ourselves is, "What is God saying to me, and where can I improve?" This self-inquiry helps us stay connected to God and identifies areas in our lives where we can grow and become better versions of ourselves.
Closing
Thriving in a spirituality that pleases God extends beyond the fundamentals; it calls for a perpetual journey of growth and improvement, much like nurturing our lawns. Although it entails substantial effort, with dedicated care and attention, we can reach a level of spirituality we never thought possible.
Time is the most valuable asset you have. Don't waste it. Make time to cultivate a relationship with Jesus Christ. Nurture the seed of faith that God wants to plant into your heart and you will flourish in all that you do.