"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path ... Some fell on rocky places ... Other seed fell among thorns ... Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." - Matthew 13:3-9
I was pleasantly surprised the other day when someone commented, favorably, on one of my devotional posts. I did not know they were reading it. Not that it is important for me to know - but it is nice to know that someone has heard the sound when one of my trees "falls in the forest" now and again. Nice but not necessary. With that unexpected encouragement, Matthew 13 came to mind.
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations" - Matthew 28:19
We are called to share the Good News - cast the seed if you will, as we have opportunity and the Spirit leads. For some reason we think that our words will always fall on "good soil" - a heart that has been prepared by the Spirit to receive the Word. And so, if our interchange does not result in a profession of faith, we feel as though we failed in our mission. We all would readily admit that we can't save anyone does not stop us from thinking their salvation is somehow dependent upon our zeal or eloquence. In fact, our mission is simple - cast the seed. Of the four places where the seed fell, only one was eternally productive. That is not to say that if you share the Gospel with 4 people, then one will be saved. That is what a friend of ours called "stinkin' thinkin'". In other words, carnal logic and desire.
Some years back, some men at the church we were attending decided to meet at one of their homes to watch a football game. I decided to go, even though watching football is not one of my favorite things to do. (Please don't tell my Alabama friends!) During the game, I brought up some spiritual topic and was told that the men had come to watch football and not talk about Jesus. Ding! Ding! Ding! Woot! Woot! The bells and sirens went off in my head. I complied and remained silent. Thinking back, it may well have been that someone in that group needed to hear about Jesus. But they would not that night.
When the Spirit prompts you to speak, speak. Just be certain it is the Spirit and not your flesh. Don't try to figure out what kind of soil you are standing on before you obey the Spirit. Just fulfill your mission.
"In your hearts honor Christ, the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" - 1 Peter 3:15
And if you are wondering if God would really ask you to share your faith - He already has.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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