As I typed this during a very rainy morning, I was reminded of the unfortunate fact that we have an area in our backyard that becomes a muddy mess when it rains. Instead of mud, I would enjoy flowering plants in all of their blooming glory. However, my husband is voting for River Rock.
As a novice with most things involving horticulture, my original plan had been to pour new enriched topsoil over the area, drop some seed in, add water, and be done. Easy-peasy—right? Hoping that my husband might see the benefit of planting something living verses lifeless River Rock, I did a little research in planting flowers.
Seeds absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil for germination and growth. Therefore, the quality of the soil, light, moisture, and placement are important. If the ground is properly prepared and the seeds are correctly planted, they will germinate new growth, but if poorly positioned or carelessly “scattered,” those seeds become food for birds and squirrels. To maintain growth, the area must be kept free of weeds that would encroach and choke out what was planted.
I love the Lord’s use of creation to teach us important life-lessons. We see one such valuable lesson in the Parable of the Sower.
Jesus told of a farmer who scattered seed on the ground. Some fell along the path where it was trampled, and the birds ate it. Some fell on the rocky soil, and when it sprouted, the plants died for lack of water. Other seed fell among thorns, which choked out the plants. However, there was seed that fell on good soil, which yielded a crop a hundred times more than what was planted.
- The seed, which fell along the path, represents those who hear the Word, but the devil comes and takes it from their hearts so they will not believe and be saved.
- The seed that fell on rocky soil are those who receive the Word with joy, but it never takes root. They believe for a while, but when there is a time of testing, they fall away from the Lord.
- The seed that fell among the thorns are those who hear the Word, but life’s worries, riches, and pleasures lure them away.
- The seed that fell on good ground represents those who receive and love the Word and keep it in their hearts, which then builds faith (Luke 8:5-15).
The quality and preparation of the soil cannot be left to chance if we want beautiful flowers that will not only bring visual enjoyment but also benefit nature. The same holds true for planting a garden. If done properly, it will yield vegetables that provide health and vitality to our bodies. Likewise, the soil of our heart requires preparation through prayer and reading the Word. Only then, can the Word become deeply rooted in the rich soil of our heart, which has been cultivated with truth from God’s Word, revealed through the Holy Spirit. And it is that Word that uproots destructive weeds of doubt, unbelief, and worldliness, so that room is made for faith, hope, and trust in God.
It is imperative to read the Word so that we know truth and can discern lies in a world that entertains many false and conflicting beliefs. According to a Bana report, only 17% of Christians have a biblical worldview. Here are a few noteworthy findings of others who identify as Christians, yet they adhere to some or all of the following beliefs:
- 61% agree with ideas rooted in New Spirituality – all people pray to the same god or spirit. Those who do good receive good karma and those who do bad receive bad karma. But Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
- 54% resonate with postmodernist views — what is right or wrong is subjective. Biblical absolutes are either a fallacy or passé. However, the Bible tells us, “The Word of the Lord remains forever” (I Peter 1:25).
- 36% accept ideas associated with Marxism/Socialism — the government should control resources to insure everyone gets their fair share, (which requires taking from one to give to another). The Word says, “Woe to those who plan iniquity to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes; they rob them of their inheritance. Therefore, the Lord says: ‘I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves’” (Micah 2:2-3).
- 29% believe ideas based on secularism — a belief that church and state should be separate. However, the Constitution’s First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” There is no mention of separation of church and state.
- They believe a proposed fact must be proven by science to be accepted; however, God’s Word states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV).
- This group also believes that the meaning and purpose of life is found in work and accomplishments. However, the Word says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 ESV).
When the Word is planted in the good soil of an accepting heart, then attitudes, thoughts, behaviors, choices, beliefs, as well as one’s level of faith, commitment, obedience, and love for God will align with biblical truths. His Words then become sweet to our taste, sweeter than honey to our mouths (Psalm 119:103). And like the sweet fragrance of a beautiful flower, His Word that comes forth from our mouths becomes acceptable unto the hearing of God.
PRAYER: FATHER, help me to cultivate good soil, where the seed of Your life-changing Word flourishes through the watering of Your Holy Spirit. For it is in that good soil of my heart that truth resonates and faith and the love of Your Word grow. May my faith continue to grow and may the words that I speak be words of faith, acceptable in Your hearing. In Jesus’ name, amen.