“Which Plant Do You Want To Be Like?”

October 2021 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Which Plant Do You Want Te Be Like?

The Word of God is very rich; the depths of what it contains will be beyond our understanding for as long as we live in this world. Still, we do not simply read the Bible through once and then set it aside. We read it over and over, pondering a portion day by day, learning more and more about God and His ways with mankind – with us. How great is His love toward you and me!

The parable of the soils in Matthew 13:1-9 has been on my mind while preparing this edition of the magazine, the topic of which is “spiritual growth and progress.” As you may recall, this particular parable is about what happens in an individual after the seed, the Word of God, is sown. The direct application is in relation to His authority as king and the need to be in subjection to Him. The Lord’s explanation in verses 18-23 is a great help in understanding this parable.

Of the four cases presented, three develop from a seed into a plant, which indicates at least some life and growth. In these allegories we see:

1. One started with joy, but what existed did not last long and there was no fruit. The plant, or person, had “no root” and could not withstand the “tribulation or persecution” that arose (v.21). There was nothing for the profit of the One who sowed the seed.

2. Another grew and possibly bore fruit, for Scripture says it became “unfruitful” (v.22). Sadly, in this situation, as we see frequently today among believers, “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches” choked the value of the Word in the life. This person was still taking in nourishment, but its value was lost as the world overwhelmed his desire for the Word.

3. The last example pictures the faith to which we should all aspire. He took in nutrients and water, incorporated them in his life, grew and bore fruit in abundance. It was fruit that was good in the eyes of the Sower. How important it is for us to be well rooted in our Lord and Savior, meditate on the Word of God and learn from Him who teaches us – the Holy Spirit. Only then will we consistently bear good fruit for the glory of God.

What kind of plant are you? Of these types, which one do you seek to be?

By Paul Alberts