“Water the roots of character, and your life will bear the fruits of the Spirit.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 26, 2024
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 2:15
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. As part of this divine masterpiece, He planted a garden in Eden and placed Adam there to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:15). This simple yet profound act signifies a deeper calling for each of us—to be God’s gardeners, tending to His creation with love, diligence, and reverence. As gardeners in God’s kingdom, our role extends beyond the physical act of tilling soil or planting seeds. It encompasses a spiritual responsibility to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit within our hearts and communities. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us of these fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Like a gardener nurtures plants to bloom, we are called to nurture the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Water the roots of character, and your life will bear the fruits of the Spirit.
The parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-23 teaches us about the importance of the condition of our hearts. Just as plants require fertile soil to grow, our spiritual lives need a receptive and nourished heart to flourish. We must remove the weeds of sin and distractions that choke our spiritual growth, ensuring our hearts remain fertile ground for God’s Word. To be effective gardeners, we must spend time in prayer and study of the Scriptures. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we gain wisdom and guidance on how to cultivate a life that honors Him. Regular prayer helps us stay connected to the Master Gardener, receiving the strength and discernment needed to nurture our spiritual gardens.
As gardeners, we are also called to sow seeds of faith in the lives of others. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This means sharing the gospel, encouraging others in their faith journeys, and demonstrating Christ’s love through our actions. Our lives become testimonies of God’s grace, inspiring others to seek Him and grow in their faith. Sowing seeds of faith requires patience and trust in God’s timing. Just as a gardener waits for the seeds to sprout and the plants to bear fruit, we must trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see immediate results. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Gardening is often a communal activity, bringing people together to work towards a common goal. In the same way, our spiritual journey is enriched by the community of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” By participating in a faith community, we support and uplift each other, sharing in the joys and challenges of life. We become co-gardeners, helping each other grow in faith and bearing collective fruit that glorifies God.
Being God’s gardener is a beautiful calling. It requires you to tend to your spiritual lives with care, sow seeds of faith in others, and cultivate a loving community. As you embrace this role, we honor the Creator and become stewards of His creation, reflecting His glory in all you do. Faithfully nurture the gardens God has entrusted to you, knowing that in His perfect time, you will reap a bountiful harvest.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide me to be Your gardener. Help me tend to my heart, sow seeds of faith, and nurture Your creation with love and care. Grant me wisdom and patience to cultivate a life that honors You, reflecting Your glory in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Focus on planting and cultivating relational seeds over being driven to be successful in fame and fortune, and you will be successful in what matters most.
Related Reading
Ecclesiastes 11:6; Luke 8:11-15; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38; 2 Corinthians 9:6
Worship Resource
CeCe Winans: Holy Forever
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