In the last verse of the parable of the sower we read, “As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:23 (ESV). My mother had such a green thumb, but I am not much of a gardener. I do however know a little about roots and soil. Deep, extensive roots provide water, nutrition and stability; bad soil produces weak plants. Rocky, dry soil or dirt with little nutrition is no place for abundant growth. There are many lessons here, not the least of which is the importance of being planted in the right place. For Abraham, that meant a huge act of faith and obedience. He was commanded to abandon the soil with which he was familiar and to obediently travel to a distant land yet unknown to him. Father deliver me from wasted efforts in fallow ground and continually guide me to fertile soil, no matter the distance or how difficult the journey.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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