Lessons Learned on the Journey

As a teenager, sitting on a tractor day in and day out, I learned to appreciate the difficulty of a planted seed maturing to harvested fruit. There were many challenges in the maturation process - from weather, to weeds, to me! (Once I drove off the path, pulling up the plants rather than the weeds).

I was pained to see planted seeds that for various reasons did not develop. The apostle John suggests that God has planted a seed in the hearts of those who are part of God’s family (I John 3:9). Quoting Jesus, John said

"This is my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:8)

As not all seeds in the field mature, not all seeds that are planted in people’s hearts by God develop to full maturity. Jesus tells us that the evidence of the maturing seed can always be seen in the fruit. Speaking of true believers, Jesus says,

"By their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:16)

I realize that I need to submit my spiritual seed to the cultivating and weeding of the Master Farmer. Will you join me in the field this week?