Have you ever felt the dull ache of conviction when reading the verses ,”The Parable of The Sower”? As we age, accumulating life experiences, this parable seems to become heavier and heavier. Across the years of our lifetime thus far, can you see yourself in each example of a sown seed? The times we didn't understand or even care to understand and never had it, the times we understood and were in awe but soon lost it or never applied it to our lives for long, and the times we both understood it and applied it and grew in gratefulness, and were fruitful, for it.
Not understanding the weight and value of wisdom in a lesson as it passes, within reach, is a great unnecessary, avoidable, tragedy. Whether it be the lack of care that comes with youth sometimes for anything outside an array of hot topics at the time, or the concerns of adult lives that distract, we completely miss a chance to grow closer to God and produce fruit [fruits of the spirit, fruits in our lives, fruits in the lives of others]. We seem to rationalize by default when wrestling to understand anything, that convicts or challenges us. Wondering back to old self-destructive behaviors; withdrawing, self-medicating, over-indulging, chasing elusive comfort like chasing the wind. What ever the reason be, like many a different sole pressing down again and again, nothing ever became of the seeds that feel on a busy, well-worn path.
Remember the times when we understood the message and couldn't wait to apply to apply it. It was like God was speaking directly to us. How then, does it fade? The truth and wisdom of the lesson remains sharp and effective. But somehow our ability to continue to apply and eventually even remember the lesson becomes dull. Similar to an athlete in training, whose repetitions and practice, invoked over and over, brought him/her to the top of their game, how can we stay motivated to get our reps in less we atrophy spiritually.
The seasons in life when we were able to apply God's word consistently over time seemed to alter the course of destiny at times- both in our own lives and even in the lives of those within proximity. The fruits of the spirit were evident. We were effective and a catalyst for positive change across many tangents, topics, professions. We were stronger than all adversity that found us. We were more trusting in God's provisions, protection and love....even when prayers seemed to go unanswered, in time we could see he was there all along. We longed to be obedient and faithful in following His word. Remember the peace of mind and unexplained contentment?
Prayer helper: Lord help us to remain in you. Whatever it takes Lord, keep our hearts soft and workable under your shaping. Thank you for your faithfulness when we are inconsistent. Thank you for your love that teaches us to love others in their inconsistency towards us. Thank you for the light of your word that lights the darkest of paths that we may find our way back to you. Thank you for the truth and the power in your word that we can defend ourselves from evil and temptation. Let the seed of your word find good soil within us. We have trampled too much wisdom and too many blessings already.