Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Spring usually is considered planting time, and we’re almost finished with spring planting. But in this area, planting takes place somewhere almost year-round. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 states there’s a time for every activity under the sun, including planting. While harvesting isn’t mentioned in that passage, Genesis 8:22 states harvesting comes after planting, and it’s certain that no harvest can happen if the seeding wasn’t done.
The lazy, worthless, wicked servant of Matthew 25:14-30 learned when you’ve been blessed, as we’ve all been, we’re expected to do something positive with the blessings to bring glory to God (Acts 17:24-31; 14:15-17; Matthew 5:45, 14-16; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; James 4:17; Luke 12:35-48). Sowing to please the Spirit by properly using what we’ve been blessed with is how we sustain our salvation unto eternal life once we’ve offered ourselves to God as living sacrifices (Galatians 6:7-10; Romans 12:1-21; 6:3-11).
The worthless servant can be likened to a farmer who purchases a storehouse of seed but never plants it. Over time, either or both of two things happen: The seed loses its ability to germinate and vermin (mice and moths) infest it, making it unfit for anything (Matthew 6:19-21; 5:13; Luke 12:13-21).
In Matthew 13:1-23, Jesus likened God’s Word — the good news of his kingdom — to seed that was to be sown. There are a couple of things we must understand in addition to the fact God wants his Word spread (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 15:15-16; Isaiah 55:10-11).
First, we’re to study the Word so we can be prepared to spread it (Luke 24:45-49; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:11-13). God helps us understand the difficult parts, not only for our benefit, but to help non-Christians learn about his love and grace (2 Peter 3:14-18; Philippians 3:15-16; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16; Romans 10:8-17; 2 Corinthians 9:10). We’re to always be ready to spread the seed when the opportunity arises (Ephesians 5:8-17; Ecclesiastes 11:4-6; 1 Peter 3:15-16).
Second, the Word is to come to us pure (1 Peter 2:2). Certainly, the Word is pure to God’s intent in most Bible versions, although we must personally study all of the Bible, whatever version we use, not only to help us understand the intent so we can avoid being misled, but also there are no conflicts, despite the claims of some (Acts 17:11). God’s Word isn’t only pure; it’s imperishable — alive and stands forever — and so we’re also to present the truth in its pure form without corruption (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:22-25; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Acts 20:26-27; Jude 1:3-4; James 3:1). The truth is what we sow is as important as what we know (Galatians 4:9; John 15:9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:1-8)! Only honest hearts can receive the implanted seed of the word and acknowledge the truth (James 1:21-27; 1 Timothy 2:4; Matthew 13:14-15).
Are you sowing the pure seed of the kingdom, beginning with your very life, based on honest, personal Bible study? When you do that right, God provides the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:5-7).
Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected]