Today I wanted to talk about planting seeds but not just any seeds, but spiritual seeds. You see, I recently started a raised bed garden for the first time, and it got me thinking about the parallels between gardening and sharing the Gospel.

Growing up, I helped out in my family’s garden, but this year, as I started my own garden, I realized I had a lot to learn. My dad used to prepare the soil, create the rows, and determine where to plant each seed or plant. He knew the right time to plant based on our gardening zone, and he understood the importance of caring for each seedling until it was ready to be transplanted.

Similarly, when it comes to sharing Jesus, there’s more to it than just throwing out a bunch of seeds and hoping for the best. In Matthew 13:3-9, Jesus tells the parable of the sower, illustrating that not all seeds will take root and grow. Some fall on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some are eaten by birds. But those that fall on good soil produce a fruitful harvest.

So, what can we learn from this parable? Well, first, we need to be intentional about where and when we plant our spiritual seeds. Just like I had to determine my gardening zone to know when to plant, we need to be sensitive to the spiritual climate around us and discern when and where to share the Gospel.

Next, we need to start with the right seeds – God’s Word. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” We need to plant seeds of truth, love, and hope found in Scripture, knowing that God’s Word has the power to transform lives.

But planting seeds is just the beginning. We also need to nurture and care for those seeds, just like I cared for my seedlings until they were strong enough to be transplanted. This means investing time and effort in building relationships, praying for opportunities to share the Gospel, and being willing to walk alongside others in their journey of faith.

Finally, we need to trust God with the results. Just as I had to trust that my seeds would grow according to His timing and plan, we need to trust that God is at work in the hearts of those we share the Gospel with, even if we don’t see immediate results.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Let’s be intentional about planting seeds of faith wherever we go. Let’s share the love of Christ in both word and deed, knowing that God is the one who brings about the growth. And let’s remember Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20 to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded us. Let’s be faithful gardeners of the Gospel, trusting God to bring about a bountiful harvest in His time.