Sowing good seed for a great harvest

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One basic fact that is widely known among agriculturalists is this, “The better the seed the better the harvest.” Also, good, nutrient-rich soil that has been properly prepared is essential.

Jesus illustrates these points in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 13 verses 3 through 9:

“… Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

“And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

“And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

“But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God and the soil is the heart of man. You will notice that there is no problem with the quality of the seed. The problem, however, is with the condition of the soil and the lack of preparation to receive the seed.

Let me, if I may call, our attention to an area where we seem to be struggling in today’s culture.

Farm scientists have made some amazing advances in their ability to genetically alter seeds. The bushels-per-acre count has been dramatically increased due to these modifications.

We must be careful, however, that we do not handle the Holy Scriptures in this same way. I see many in the faith community today that are amending the seed of truth by reinterpreting the meaning of the Scriptures. We do not help ourselves or others by diluting the bedrock principles of the Bible.

We should not think ourselves so wise as to modify the message of his Word.

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, he taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” (1Corinthians 3: 19 and 20)

We are treading on very dangerous ground when we are more concerned about man’s opinion than God’s approval. If our core values and faith have anything to do with the Holy Scriptures, then we need to adhere to them.

If we are willing to compromise and make concessions in one area, soon we will do so in any area. If we are sowing a biblically diluted seed, we can be assured it will lead to spiritual inadequacy and a failed harvest.

I must say that it is concerning to me when our governmental legislators vote on bills they haven’t read. It is even more dangerous when we make moral and spiritual choices as a culture, when so few have studied the Bible thoroughly enough to make informed decisions.

The old adage, “we will reap what we sow,” is a principle of Scripture, too.

We cannot sow the seeds of self-will and personal preference and expect to have a blessed harvest. Jesus concluded his teaching about the seed and soil with this great eternal truth:

“… he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:23)

It is only when the good seed is sown in the good soil that its true potential is discovered. Understanding the Word is the missing link. Those who make the Bible their handbook for life come to experience the relationship of blessing God desires to have with them. All others are relegated to a life of sowing tainted seeds and an unfulfilling harvest.

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Your pastor speaks

By Pastor Rodney Reynolds

The writer is the pastor at Solid Rock Pentecostal Church of God, Sidney.

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