Intentional Growth

It is the time of year when Walmart is putting out their gardening supplies and people will begin spring planting.  My mom and dad are 91 years old and dad is making plans to put out some lettuce and radish seeds for his early planting.  I gave up gardening because it requires tender nurturing and consistent attention and my life is already full of living things that require my diligent care.  The idea of neglecting living things whether plants, pets or people is more than I can bear, so I just don’t plant.  When I feel the urge to be in the dirt, I just help mom and dad with their garden.

The Bible uses living things such as wheat, vines, trees, a mustard seed and other seeds, to give us mental pictures of spiritual development.  Psalm 1 suggests that the man who delights in the Word of God will be like a tree that flourishes.  Jesus made reference to a kernel of wheat that has to die in order to produce more fruit and He also described the picture of a vine and the necessity of abiding in the vine to produce fruit.   

To grow spiritually, the Bible shows us that there has to be intentional effort.  When we seek…we find, when we knock… the door is opened, when we ask according to the will of God…we receive.  When we die to ourselves to further God’s kingdom, we create the potential for new growth.  Just as there is no botanical growth without environmental aid, there is no spiritual growth without the aid of the Holy Spirit bringing fresh revelation from God’s Word, surrounding us with the presence of God and drawing us close to Him, and helping us break out of our shells and spread the message of Christ.  He is a powerful germinator who helps us bring forth good fruit.

I fear that we have become more intentional about organic garden produce and our knock-out roses than we have about an organic, knock-out relationship with Christ.  I am wondering how much time we spend fertilizing, watering, pruning and weeding our botanicals compared to time we spend in quiet contemplation of God…of His awesome character and deeds and in His living and active Word.  For a living relationship with God to grow, develop and produce fruit, it will require diligence on our behalf.  Just as with gardening, a fruitful field doesn’t just happen; it is the result of a faithful, steadfast laborer in the field.

Lord, help us to be faithful laborers in the harvest fields that you have placed us, seeking you above worldly hobbies and desires.  You are our breath and life.  Spur us on to produce a harvest of righteousness and grow our souls.