They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. – Psalms 107:37-38 (NIV)

Sowing seeds is always about the harvest.  There is no purpose to seeding the ploughed ground if we do not expect or work toward a harvest.  The sunflower we planted quite a few months ago has bloomed and begun to wilt.  This is actually a good thing.  The seeds of the sunflower, the part we eat, will not be ready until the flower has died and dried.  That one seed planted in the ground, watered, fertilized and tended will yield a harvest of hundreds, each seed capable of being planted in the ground to begin the process again.

This is the beauty and math of spiritual growth.  As we grow, as the seeds of truth take root and grow in the soil of our hearts, we have seeds to plant ourselves in the lives of others.  But the seeds must be watered, fertilized and tended.  The life of Christ in us is not primarily about taking in truth anymore than gardening is about planting seeds.  The life of Christ is about the harvest of those truths, the fruit of a disciplined life caring for and tending those truths in our hearts and minds.

So how is the garden of your soul?  Are you just taking in seed after seed thinking that every new and profound idea or thought in itself will fix your life?  Are you consciously pursuing the harvest of what has been poured into your life through the work of the Holy Spirit?  Is your life helping others experience a harvest in their hearts and minds?  Are you taking the seeds of your harvest and sharing them with those around you?  This is the beauty and math of spiritual growth.

Lord, help me to be a tender and sower of seeds.  Help me to be disciplined about the truths you plant in my life so that they may bring a harvest that glorifies You.  May my life in You produce seeds for other’s hearts and promote the kingdom of God.  Amen.