Just plant the seed

We are results-driven world. We want to see these results instantly. Football coaches are fired for not delivering instant success. Schools are tested on their ability to produce immediate success. Churches are scrutinised for not bursting at the seems in a short space of time. We all want to see our hard work produce some fruit, but what happens when this takes time? What do we make of these words from the Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 3:5-7 - What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.  I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.  So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." - John 12:24

Perhaps all that God requires of us today is that we plant a seed in the life of someone else. That could be a seed of Love, Hope, Peace, Joy or Grace. Of course the greatest seed we could plant is the reason for our salvation - Jesus. That seed may take a long time to grow, but we need to plant it.

Living in Grace

D3LM3 

You need to plant something

"Sluggards do not plough in season;so at harvest time they look but find nothing." - Proverbs 20:4

If we aren't disciplined to do the small, important things, then we can't expect to reap any of the rewards later. The trouble is that we live in a quick fix society and we often want things without being willing to put the hard effort into the preparation. Any farmer will laugh at you if you expect to reap a harvest without actually planting seeds. You NEED to plant something!


The same applies in the rest of our lives. If we want a meaningful relationship with God, then we need to plant some seeds. If we desire a healthy relationship with our family/friends, we need to do the small important things first. If we want to reap the harvest of competing in a sports event, we have to set the alarm clock to wake up early to train. 

I think you get it, don't you? You MUST plant something!

So, what seeds are you planting today?
What harvest are you longing for next season?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Where are you planted?

For all you gardeners out there, you can remind us that planting seeds in the right place is crucial. There are some places where we know seeds won't grow at all. Hard soil, too much shade or even direct sunlight can kill any potential growth. We can safely say that "deciding where to plant a seed or tree is an important decision."

So, why do we not translate this mindset into our spiritual lives? The principle is exactly the same when it comes to 'planting' ourselves spiritually. If I plant myself away from the Life-giving Spirit of God, how can I expect to grow and survive? If I choose to try and root myself in 'hard soil' then my growth may be stunted. The following verse gives us an idea of where we can plant ourselves in order to thrive. See what you think:

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought    and never fails to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8

Where are you planted at the moment? 

Living in Grace
D3LM3