Tending the Garden - Becoming a Better Christian
And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold. Mark 4:20
Why does the Word fall on deaf ears? Why do people who supposedly believe in Jesus not hear him?
Sure, but the better question is, What am I not hearing?
I have always been an indifferent gardener. I begin the season with great intentions and much efforts. But then I resort to a gardening style that I call “Survival of the Fittest.” The fittest, of course, turns out to be clover and thistles that choke my seedlings, brave as they may be, and little animals that attack and consume the rest.
I know this is not the way.
The thing that real gardeners know is that gardens must be tended. It’s not a matter of chance. Soil can be improved. Plants can be protected.
My favorite story from the communion of saints is that of John Newton. Newton began as a slaver. He made his money transporting kidnapped human beings to be sold. He had a reputation for being the cruelest of a cruel occupation, both as a slaver and as a ship’s captain.
A storm at sea very nearly destroyed his ship and killed him. In a moment of panic he prayed. The ship was saved and he became a Christian.
Except—he still sold those people who survived the storm with him.
It took years. But he read the Bible and kept reading it. Until it took root. He got it. He abandoned his trade and became an abolitionist.
My garden needs tending. My life needs examining. My soul needs improving. Toughen up for the times of trouble. Weed out the distractions. Dig deeper.
Pray with me that I may become a better gardener and a better Christian.