“The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. Mark 4:28 NASB
Jesus says that the soils of our heart is what will determine growth to happen or not happen. In this parable of the sower of seeds, three out of the four soils were in areas that were outside of the designated field where a sower would typically sow seeds. The seeds landed in these areas, and in some cases growth happened; but they were in areas outside of the prepared and cultivated field. Where the seed grew and produced fruit (Mark 4:20), someone had prepared that soil. This is what you do as a farmer, you prepare and cultivate the soil so that it is ready to receive seeds and that those seeds can grow without interference. The preparing and cultivating of the hearts of those that God has brought to us is of extreme importance if growth is going to take place. But how do we cultivate and prepare the hearts of others? Isn't that their job to prepare their own hearts? speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Ephesians 5:19-21 NASB What Paul is describing here in these verses is one of the way that we as a church cultivate and prepare the hearts of one another so that we can continue to receive seeds of growth in our lives. In verse 21, Paul says to "be subject (submit) to one another". Why do you think that is? Because If we are not submitted to each other then we will not give permission or authority for others to help cultivate our hearts. This may be an obvious statement, but we need each other more than we know. We need a community around us that helps keep the soil of our hearts soft and ready to receive. But if we keep everyone at an arms length distance away, and never let them get "too close", we will most likely develop a hardened heart as we miss out on the blessing of the church community. Preparing the soil to receive seeds takes more effort than the sowing of the actual seeds. It takes time, energy, sacrifice, and attentiveness to make sure that the ground is prepared. Then after the seed is sown, it takes even more time and energy to continue to water the seed and to cut down the thorns that try and grow up around it. This is not meant to be the task for one person; this is meant to be a community effort. Questions to Consider: 1. Do you have a community around you that helps cultivate your heart? If not, please reach out so we can get you plugged into a community group. 2. How are you currently cultivating the hearts of those whom God has brought into your life?
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