City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

Matthew 13:20-22 (NIV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB)

Reflection

When I was little, I planted sunflower seeds, hoping they would grow into nice, big, beautiful sunflowers. But I didn’t till the soil first or weed the garden later, I thought sunlight and water would be enough. To those of you who are blessed with green thumbs, you can guess what happened: what little plant that grew died shortly after.  

Too many people (Christians included) think church is a museum for saints instead of a hospital for sinners. This mindset makes them believe they have to put on a façade of perfection even while their lives are going under. Or they look polished and perfect on the outside but are gross and dead on the inside (Matthew 23:27-28). It doesn’t make sense to focus on the flowers when the soil is suffering. Eventually, the plants will show the state of the soil. 

Rocky soil, what is underneath the surface, comes in many forms. Just a few examples are fear, bitterness, held grudges, or disappointments (with others or self). With those stones in the way, the seed cannot take root and grow. These can be so deep one isn’t even aware of their existence. Thorns are more external (or weeds in the MSG version), when the worries of life are left unchecked, they deprive the plants of nutrients (Martha missed an opportunity to just be with Jesus in Luke 10:38-42).

Application

What stones or weeds in your garden need to be removed? If you don’t know of any, look for a place where there is no fruit growing (Galatians 5:22-23). And don’t go it alone and keep it in, tell someone. We’re not picture-perfect gardens, we are all works in progress who help each other. Keep on tilling the soil, clipping the thorns, and pulling the weeds, and you will have a beautiful garden. 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, You are the great Gardener. Help me remove any stones or thorns from my soil so I can produce a great crop for Your Kingdom. In Your Name I pray, amen.