Finally a verb that is clear to everyone. You don't have to philosophise about it, here are the facts, you can apply it.
„But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.””
Mark 4:20 ESV
Mark 4:1-20
I'm sure you know this passage well and are tempted not to read it, but believe me, God always has something new to say to you, no matter how many times you've read it. Listen to what God has to say to you today.
If anyone has any questions, we'll lay down some basics. In the parable, the sower is God, the seed is the Word of God, and the soil is our heart. These are the three risk factors upon which a successful yield depends.
God is a faithful "sower" who scatters the seed in all circumstances. We need not fear that he will be lazy, lie down at the base of the tree and start watching Tic-Toc. No, God works diligently, honestly, and not according to the human work ethic. First risk factor ticked.
Let's look at the core. Believe me, they are definitely germinable seeds. There is no need to do a trial sowing to see if they are fertile or not, no need to soak them in different hormones and agents beforehand to be sure of the yield. No, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, reaching down to the dividing asunder of the mind and the soul, of the joints and the marrow, and judging the thoughts and intents of the heart." We can be sure that there is no problem with the core. Second risk factor, check.
The third important point is soil. It is very important that the soil is prepared for the seed. You can't just sprinkle it anywhere. You can take risks, but if you want to be effective, you can't skip steps. The soil needs to be loosened up, enriched with fertiliser if necessary, to ensure there is adequate nutrients in the soil. And once everything is ready, the soil is prepared and the seed can be planted.
God is "at work", the Word of God, the seed, is provided, God takes care of that, the soil, the condition of our hearts, is ours to take care of. How important is God to us? How much do we trust that no matter what the circumstances show, he will not forsake us and will help us in every trial. Or do you let your heart become a weed that chokes the sprouting seed. You don't trust God and let the magnitude of your problems choke out the encouragement and message of the Word. Or peer pressure is stronger and you would rather conform to people and not live by God's Word. And the list goes on.
But it's your choice. It's up to you what's important to you. You're content with the tinglitangli Christian life, a small God, a small church, a small world, a small sin, which ends up being a torment. Or do you want to live a fruitful life, abundant in the blessings of God. It's up to you.
I just want to encourage you to do the latter, believe me, your life will be much happier.
Reflective questions
- Do an honest examination of your heart now? Which soil does your life resemble? Don't look at a snapshot, because everyone has a bad day. This is mainly about the long-term trend. What characterises your life? Which of the four soils?
- If you are the fourth soil, I am very happy for you, keep up the good work and encourage others. But if you are one of the first three but want a change, make a strategy. What are the obstacles, the sins you need to get rid of. What do you need to change your life? Whether it's spending more time with God to develop trust in Him. Write down steps that you can take to reach your goals so that you can truly have a life of "fruitful" blessings.