The Grass Is Always Greener

My husband has a green thumb when is comes to our front lawn. He knows exactly how much water it needs, how to fertilize it and just when to cut out the patches of weeds that often spring up. He takes the time to plant new seed when needed and is very particular about the way he manages it through the seasons. 

Often neighbors, and even total strangers, stop to ask his secret for maintaining a lawn that is so green and plush. He shares tips and techniques for lawn nurturing but it is difficult for others to replicate his success. Many want the beautiful results but few want to invest the time, money, or patience necessary to grow their lawn to be the best it can be. 

Jesus shared a similar story in the parable of the sower. Most Christians desire a life that is rich and meaningful and where they can bear much fruit for the Lord. Still, not everyone is willing to invest the time and the commitment required to be fruitful. What about you? Which of these describes your walk of faith with Jesus? 

• Sitting It Out – you hear the Word but allow the enemy to cultivate doubt and weed out any chance of walking with Jesus and producing fruit. 
• Intermittent Walker– you hear the Word and receive it with joy for a short time then without any depth or real commitment to Christ you fall away. 
• Fruitless Walker – you hear and study the Word and are devoted to the Lord but you let the worries of this life, distractions and the desires for other things come in and uproot your devotion. 
• Flourishing Walker- you hear the Word and produce much fruit as evidenced by your life and daily walk with Jesus Christ.

If you are anything but a flourishing walker, take this opportunity to turn things around. Ask God to search your heart. Ask that He provide you the tools and strength necessary to rid your life of the people and situations that interfere with your walk; and that He refresh and revitalize your relationship with Him. 

Plant seeds of commitment and obedience. Cultivate love, kindness, and peace. Have God’s Word be your daily bread and the relationship with Him be your water. Seek His grace and enjoy the opportunities and lifestyle necessary to bear much and various fruit for the Lord. 

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15