letsloveothers

Jesus frequently spoke in parables— vignettes of everyday life. These parables revealed spiritual truths. Nuggets of wisdom that are foundational for personal and spiritual transformation.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus laid the groundwork that is at the core of your restoration— your heart. The condition of your heart influences your ability to understand and implement spiritual truths.

In this parable, the sower went out to sow his seed. As he was sowing some fell along the path. It was trampled on, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Other seed fell on the rock. When it sprang up it withered since it lacked moisture. Other seed fell among thorns. The thorns sprang up with it and choked it. Still other seed fell on good ground. When it sprang up it produced a crop 100 times what was sown. Luke 8:5-8

The seed of the sower is the Word of God— Jesus. Jesus came to earth in human form so the grace and power of God’s Word could be revealed in all its glory. Unfortunately, not everyone exposed to the Word allows it to transform his or her heart.

There is the “well traveled path” heart. Damaged by the lies and schemes of satan and man. It is loveless, distrustful and callous. Rejecting God’s truth as soon as it is heard because it contradicts personal paradigms. Refusing to submit to the sovereign, absolute authority of the Lord and His truth. It is incapable of unconditionally receiving the Lord’s love and grace. Rejecting Christ’s gift of salvation.

The “rocky soil” heart has a limited, superficial understanding of God’s truth. This heart remains unrepentant because it refuses to acknowledge God’s holiness. Rejecting His righteousness as the standard by which to live.

The desires of the flesh are the prevailing winds that control the “rocky soil” heart. So when the storms of life arise and threaten to destroy all that is precious and valuable. This heart abandons ship. No longer trusting the Lord. Faithfulness and obedience are washed away. What could have been a transformational relationship with the Lord is now dead in the water.

The “thorny soil” heart focuses on the world and its promises of riches and happiness. Overtime damaged by the inconsistencies and deceitfulness of these promises. The hope of a future filled with purpose and legacy dies a slow, excruciating death.

The “fertile soil” heart is spiritually mature. Continually nourished and transformed by God’s truth. Growing strong and resilient. Yielding an abundant harvest of holiness and faithfulness. Gracing it to sow seed—truth— the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the hearts of others.

What nurtures the “fertile soil” heart? Repentance. Obedience. Abiding.

REPENT

Decide once and for all whether your flesh or the Holy Spirit is your commander in chief.

Allow God’s truth— His righteousness to reign in your heart and life. Think and act upon God’s truth, not corrupt affections and evil practices.

Cherish God’s grace. It alone empowers you to overcome sin, not self-righteousness or piety.

Have faith in Christ and His promises, not others or yourself.

Experience a “soul purifying” sorrow, not a “shame on me” sorrow. Now this type of deep sorrow, godly sorrow is not so much about regret. It is about producing a change of mind and behavior that ultimately leads to salvation. But the other type of sorrow, worldly sorrow often is fleeting and only brings death. Godly sorrow recognizes and is in awe of God’s holiness and amazing love for us— His imperfect children. 2 Corinthians 7:10

OBEY

Acknowledge obedience does not come naturally to anyone. That the heart is easily deceived and corrupted.

Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind. Change the way you think. Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life. Which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature. Created to be like God— truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24 

Develop a biblical worldview. Only God’s truth is the standard by which you process the nuances of life, not man’s wisdom.

ABIDE

Spend quality time with the Holy Spirit in that place called solitude.

Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you how to quiet your mind and emotions so you hear only His voice.

Learn to appreciate the quiet by not filling your environment with noise.

Be alone rather than settling for relationships devoid of affection and respect.

Instead of self-medicating, rest when tired or sick.

Your heart is precious to your heavenly Father. If you will give it to Him, He promises to protect and nurture it. In the process creating a jewel for His Kingdom.

Be a VOICE shouting into the wilderness.

“Christ is returning!”