Growing Conditions
(Revised, by Jay Launius)
“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Mat 13:22).
Years ago, a friend gave me some sawtooth oak seedlings that he brought back from Arkansas. My wife and I immediately set about planting them around our house.
One tree was planted in our back yard near where we burn accumulated brush once or twice a year. Another was planted in front, close to where an old railroad line used to run.
The tree we planted out back, where the soil is rich with ashes and plant material, began growing quickly. But the tree in front, planted in the rocks and clay, didn't seem to grow at all.
After several years the tree in the back is nearly 35 feet tall, while the tree in the front is just over 10 feet, even though the trees were planted on the same day.
Jesus told a parable about different types of soil in Matthew 13. He explained that the potential growth of seeds is dependent on the quality of the soil. Rich, healthy soil produces fruitful plants, while less desirable soil produces little or nothing.
Our spiritual growth is largely dependent upon the “soil” of our daily habits. Are we feeding our souls daily with God’s word? Are we saturating our lives with perpetual prayer? Are we taking every opportunity to assemble with the saints in order to worship God and receive spiritual encouragement?
Or are we stunting our spiritual growth by neglect of spiritual things and too much exposure to the things of the world?
We all want to be spiritually strong and produce fruit for the kingdom of God. But it depends on the type of soil we choose to be. Choose wisely, and you will be blessed!
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
Dennis
(Revised, by Jay Launius)
“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Mat 13:22).
Years ago, a friend gave me some sawtooth oak seedlings that he brought back from Arkansas. My wife and I immediately set about planting them around our house.
One tree was planted in our back yard near where we burn accumulated brush once or twice a year. Another was planted in front, close to where an old railroad line used to run.
The tree we planted out back, where the soil is rich with ashes and plant material, began growing quickly. But the tree in front, planted in the rocks and clay, didn't seem to grow at all.
After several years the tree in the back is nearly 35 feet tall, while the tree in the front is just over 10 feet, even though the trees were planted on the same day.
Jesus told a parable about different types of soil in Matthew 13. He explained that the potential growth of seeds is dependent on the quality of the soil. Rich, healthy soil produces fruitful plants, while less desirable soil produces little or nothing.
Our spiritual growth is largely dependent upon the “soil” of our daily habits. Are we feeding our souls daily with God’s word? Are we saturating our lives with perpetual prayer? Are we taking every opportunity to assemble with the saints in order to worship God and receive spiritual encouragement?
Or are we stunting our spiritual growth by neglect of spiritual things and too much exposure to the things of the world?
We all want to be spiritually strong and produce fruit for the kingdom of God. But it depends on the type of soil we choose to be. Choose wisely, and you will be blessed!
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
Dennis
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