Conforming Our Harvesting to God’s Will

Examining Scripture:

“And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:2

Evaluating Soil:

No gardener wants to produce a bad crop and throw away their harvest. I don’t, but I’ve done it plenty of times.

I’m learning that good gardens start with good soil. A statement in one of my gardening books said it well:

“When you start a garden it’s a natural reaction
to want to get planting as soon as possible,
but try and restrain yourself until you’ve tackled the soil.
Plants, like us, need air, water, and food.
Unlike us they can’t move around to get what they need,
but have to get all their nutrition direct
from the soil they’re growing in.
So get down to the earth and
get the conditions perfect from the start.
Get your soil right now,
and your plants will thrive.”
(pg. 59, Back to Basics, Traditional Garden Wisdom, Reader’s Digest)

If we desire a thriving harvest, we can’t just start planting; we have to check the soil, clear out the bad elements, and replenish what is needed. 

Experiencing Seasons:

Every year, about mid-winter, I get ahead of myself, buy a plant, and get it in dirt. While my flowering plants bloom and my veggies produce, it’s obvious I neglect to adequately prep the soil. They’re never as lush or healthy as they could be. Sadly, in my rush to see buds, I give little thought to the condition of the soil.

I do the same in life. I plant my way, or follow the inexperience of others, and rush my efforts, skip some steps, try to survive in depleted soil, and miss out on the vibrant fruitfulness God has for me.

Embracing Solace:

However, I find a sweet solace in digging my bare feet into cool, freshly turned, rich, black soil. I imagine it’s how a plant feels when its roots receive the protection and nourishment the soil provides.

It feels that way when we plant our hearts in God’s will. Our soil gets the nutrients it needs that the world can’t supply.

According to the Merriam-Webster (Online) Dictionary, a nutrient furnishes nourishment and is a substance or ingredient that:

• promotes growth
• provides energy
• maintains life

God’s nutrients give us the nourishment we need to produce a harvest that is pleasing and acceptable to Him.

Enjoying Simplicity:

Simply put, conforming our harvest to produce the fruit God wants makes our work simpler. It keeps us from getting distracted, letting weeds take over, or allowing our nutrients to be depleted.

Employing Solutions:

Preparing our soil is essential to receive and grow in the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:9)

We can stay spiritually fruitful by:

• Praying to the Creator about our desire to be fruitful (John 14:12-14)
• Purging the bad elements from the soil of our hearts (Psalm 79:9)
• Searching God’s Word for solutions on how to be fruitful (James 1:5)
• Seeking Godly nurturing from other believers (Colossians 1:9-10)
• Being patient in the process of growing (Hebrews 12:1)

Gardening isn’t a “sit back and watch things grow” kind of effort. It takes work to reap Godly fruit. Now is the time to prepare our soil and conform our desired harvest to God’s Holy will.

Get ready! Get set! GROW!

Bring It Home

What harvest would you like to see in your heart, home, and hospitality next fall?

Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC