Scattering Seeds
As a young child attending Sunday School, I was taught the importance of sharing the gospel. I was instructed to tell others about the Lord and his saving grace and that God loves us more than anyone. The seed that was planted in my soul so many years ago has at times, grown, withered, and even starved for nourishment. But under all the cares and sins of my life, the seed was still there waiting. If we are truly honest with ourselves, most of us have, at some time, allowed our seed to not be productive or grow but to instead remain stagnated. The message in Matthew 13:1-9 has a twofold message: scattering seeds and which soil they should be scattered.
Matthew 13:1-9 states, “That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no roots. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
I love to garden. It is one of my greatest joys. Having my hands in the soil is such therapy for me. I feel a closeness to God, I mean it is his earth, right? He made it. So fittingly the soil gives me a sense of closeness to him. When planting, the soil must be able to be moved and spread around. This will allow the roots of the plants to grow deep within the soil so that when the rain comes it will soak the soil and reach the roots. This is the same for us. When our “soil” is filled with weeds, roots, and rocks, our seeds will not be productive.
One must be intentional to nurture one’s soil or “soul” so that the seed of spiritual growth can take place in our lives. Water it with the word. Nurture it with prayer. Sprinkle it with motivation. Be cautious of weeds “temptations” that will try and choke the roots. Most of all, sprinkle it with obedience, which are seeds in others’ lives. All of these combined will cause personal growth and further the kingdom of God.
How does one add all that is required to have healthy soil to an already full timeline of life? Start small. I was told one time “You can eat an elephant one bite at a time.” This is also true with sharing your faith. Ask God how and where should I start? How can I “plant” into others’ lives? How can I be a seed scatterer? Believe me, God will answer.
I was in a restaurant one day and our server brought back our receipt for our bill. The Lord laid it upon my heart to write “Thank you” and the scripture “John 3:16.” I left the restaurant that day not knowing how the server would feel, but I knew God could use something so simple for His glory. This scripture will remind those who have heard it before that God loves them. For those who have not heard this scripture, it may give them the curiosity to look it up. Either way, I scattered a seed.
I have continued to write this scripture on every receipt over the last year at each restaurant where I have eaten a meal. Looking back, I will never know the impact of these seeds on this side of heaven, but looking forward, I know that God is faithful to nurture those seeds that have been scattered. Sharing the gospel by scattering seeds is our duty as Christians. God will provide the rest. Be a seed scatterer!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
Blessings to you and yours! Vicki Dietz
Southern Crossroads Creations Restoration of Heart and Home
