What Type of Soil Are You?

Today’s Scripture Reference: Luke 8: 4-18

 

In the world of gardening, there are essential factors that must occur regardless of the type of seed planted. The principles of planting do not change. Every seed planted needs proper temperature, water, and oxygen for them to grow with the intensions to yield a harvest. The location of good soil and proper lighting will also determine how well or not the seed grows.

 

In comparison, we all are God’s soil. We may vary in the location of where we are in our lives; how much watering God’s so faithfully provides for us, and how much exposure we get to the “Son”. These are all crucial as God plants His seeds in our lives. Luke 8: 4-18 is a beautiful picture of God scattering His seeds, which is His Word across our lives regardless of who we are and where we’ve been. As we gently walk through this parable, I don’t want us to take for gratitude that this is a privilege of itself to understand and be taught such great Truths. (Luke 8:9-10)

 

Nonetheless, the Bible tells us there are four types of soils, but notice there is only one type of Seed. We have a caring Father whose ultimate desire is that none of His children will perish and for each of us to get as much warm and loving exposure to His Son, Jesus Christ. It is clear that we all receive the same seed, but our soils (lives) determine if the seeds take root. God’s purpose is that EVERY seed take root, grow, and yield a harvest even if it is only 30, 60, or 100. Not only will we benefit from our own harvest and His planting, but others will reap from our lives and be blessed when they step into our garden.

 

Many would ask, “Why would a farmer allow precious seed to land on the footpath, on rock, or among thorns? Indeed, His seeds are precious and they cost an innocent’s Man His life, but the beautiful thing to know about this Loving God of ours is His seed NEVER runs out. Some of us may even begin to experience and come to the realization that we do not have enough soil to contain all the seeds His provides. We must disregard the idea or image of God being an irresponsible farmer simply scattering His seeds at random. Instead, attempt to understand that His acceptable method of seeding in the lives of His many children is by hand-tossing seeds as He walks through our lives. His goal is to get as much seed as possible to take root in good soil, but waste is inevitable as some falls or is blown into less productive areas. If some of the seed produce no crop, it is not the fault of the FAITHFUL former or of the seed. The yield most defiantly depends on us and the condition of our lives when the seeds are scattered. Now, this does not mean our lives have to be perfect.

More importantly, as believers we have ALL been called to be ad-ministers of God’s Word, so we should be responsible to spread the seed (God’s Message), but not take it person and NEVER give up when some of our efforts fail. Keep planting and remember not every seed fall on good soil. Keep your eyes fixed on the planting process and not on the outcome and the return on the seeds.

 

“Footpath” people are like many of the religious leaders or similarly to non-believers who refuse to believe God’s message. Isn’t it interesting how “religious” people actually have a lot in common with non-believers? “Rocky” soil people are like the crowds who followed Jesus, believe His message, but never get around to doing anything about it. “Thorn Patch” people are overcome by worries and lure of materialism and therefore leave no room in their lives for God. “Good” soil people in contrast to all the other groups, follow Jesus no matter what the cost may be.

 

In conclusion, we ought to identify with the type of soil we are, and in which we plant on in other people’s lives. Be encouraged and nonetheless have enough seed on you at all times, so you can continuously plant and minister wherever you go. For some of us, we may have to get rid of some of the seeds the enemy has planted in our lives, so God’s seeds can reach the soil. Now, I ask again, what type of soil are you?

 

Your Sister In Christ,

 

Sister Christina Bladen