Listen,
a farmer once planted his field. Some seed fell on a hard-packed path, and the
birds ate it up. Some fell on rocks. It grew quickly, but died when the sun
scorched because it had no root. Other seed fell into thorns and briars that
choked the plant, and it didn’t bear fruit. (Mark 4:3-7)
Not every seed grows. Jesus later explains
that, when you show others the way to Him, very few people will give their
lives to Christ and fully embrace the life of following Him. You are not
responsible for this outcome. That is the responsibility of each man and woman
who hear God’s word, and who are given the opportunity to surrender themselves
to Him and the hope that He offers. Your responsibility is to hear the voice of
the Holy Spirit leading you, telling you how to plant your words and actions in
His garden each day.
So, what are you to do? Love. You are to
love every person God places in your way. However, this does not mean you are
to agonize over their choices, nor does it mean you should self-design ways to
reach them. Often, it will not be your job to do more than plant the first seed
– which they may reject. You also can love them enough to pray God will
continue to call others to the life He offers.
Farming is hard work! Planting is a
long-term venture. Make sure God is guiding your work.
No comments:
Post a Comment