Friday, August 14, 2015

GARDENING FOR THE LORD

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop. Matthew 13:7 (NIV)

As one who considers gardening a passion, it is difficult for me to pass a weed and not pull it out of the ground.

Our recent rainy spring is a mixed blessing. On one hand, everything is growing out of proportion. The tomatoes are bigger and more juicy than usual. Corn on the cob is early and sweet. There is a profusion of beautifully colored flowers. On the other hand, weeds are prolific.

After a recent pouring rain, I just HAD to pull weeds. After all, weeds come out by the root easier when the ground is wet.

It occurred to me that telling someone about salvation through Jesus is something like pulling weeds. A person who is living without our Savior can be overtaken by the emotional, physical and psychological distractions of this world (weeds). Explaining the joys of living with Christ is like pulling out and destroying those evil distractions.

The question is, when does the “ground” become soft enough for those without Christ to receive the seeds of faith? When can the roots of the evils of this world be extracted from the hearer’s life?

The answer is that as God’s “Spiritual Gardeners” it is our job to soften hearts by serving others with love and compassion and to live an example of life directed by the Holy Spirit. When the ground is soft and trust has been  established, it is time to share our own story of salvation.

Lord, help me to be ready to yield to the Holy Spirit as I garden and harvest souls for your Kingdom.

©2015 Christy Struben

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