I don't know about you but for me there are so many people in my life that I long to see living the life that God has designed for them. Many times, given my temperament, I attempt to tell them how they are to live and show them why it is better than the lifestyle they are currently embracing. Unfortunately, my success rate is not really high with that approach. My heart is in the right place but my methodology is a little weak. So for any of you who can relate to my challenge consider the Parable of the Four Soils.
We can all agree that the problem in the parable is not with the seed; it is good seed capable of producing a harvest. The dilemma is with the soil and how well prepared it is for seed. One seed fell on rocky soil, one in thin sand, another in soil occupied by thorns, and then finally the good soil. The seed that was fortunate enough to fall in good soil produced a significant harvest; this is what we need to learn from. Again, the truth passed along to people should never change however we can assist the seed in taking hold in someone's life by the way we prepare the individual to hear the truth.
So for me I have been, over the last several months, making strong attempts to till, fertilize, and "de-weed" the soil that I place the seed. Practically speaking, when I am investing in someone's life as needed my invitations to them fall into ready ears and willing hearts. This is effective because I have showed them where my motives rest and their trust I have earned. In other words, when my investment is significant my invitation is minimal because the soil is prepared for the truth. So are you spending more time scattering seed or tilling, fertilizing, and de-weeding soil? Lets learn a lesson from the Parable of the Four Soils and watch God produce a harvest.
No comments:
Post a Comment