It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.
I Corinthians 3:7
The past few months have been a season of loss for us. Three men passed away, all in their fifties or younger. And while we aren’t certain about each of these individuals’ decisions regarding faith, we trust in God who is fair and just.
These recent events have also reminded us about what Paul revealed in his letter to the people of Corinth. You see, the new believers there were quarreling about little things, including who they felt had helped lead them to the Lord. Let’s look at that passage of Scripture in more detail:
When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world? After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
I Corinthians 3:1-6
This letter from the apostle speaks to us as believers today too. Whether one plants the seeds of faith or helps them grow by sharing with others really doesn’t matter. The main thing is for Christians to keep telling the great news that eternal life is available to anyone who believes in Jesus. He offers hope for the future and help for every day we live out our lives here on Earth! As verse 7 reminds us, the Lord is actively at work: “God makes the seed grow.”
I love this imagery of planting seeds, watering, and seeing the fruits of our labor-especially in this season of harvest! Here’s a passage from the book of Matthew where the Lord Himself talked about the importance of sharing the message of salvation:
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
Matthew 9:35-38
Friends, the harvest is indeed great, and each of us has a chance to be part of it. So many people need to know about Jesus. Countless individuals are watching you and me as we live out our lives, wondering if knowing the Lord really does make a difference. From small conversations to bigger opportunities to discuss our faith, all of us can help to let others know they are loved by the Lord-and that He longs to welcome them into His forever family!
There are many of our friends and family members already enjoying the blessings of Heaven as they await the rest of us to join them one day. And while they are missed so much, they remind me of why I need to keep sharing about the amazing gift God offers humanity. I’m also praying that the Lord of the Harvest will provide others to join in His efforts-including you!
All of us at Sonkist Ministries wish you many joys during this amazing Harvest season!
Thought of the Month
The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field…
I Corinthians 3:8-9a
