Charity Autry, Member since 2008, Families in Faith Sunday School Leader, Starting Point Leader, VBS Chair (Children’s Ministry Council)
Matthew 13:3-9 (New International Version)
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Reflection:
Chapter 13 in Matthew is a series of parables. In this parable, Jesus used the properties of soil to teach his followers to be spiritual “sowers.” He did not want them to be discouraged if their seeds did not sprout and prosper. You cannot control how people take the seeds you sow. However, the more seeds you plant the better chance you will have of one of them sprouting. Some of our seeds will fall on rich soil that is open to growth and some will fall on dry, thin soil. I am not a farmer, but I know it takes lots of work to tend good soil. Soil that is dry and thin has not been tended. What is the condition of our soil? Are we receptive to seeds that are being sown by our pastors, church leaders, and Christian friends? How deep, how fertile—essentially do we have ears to hear?

“They withered because they had no root.” 

Are you withered? Like many of you, I lived through a pandemic, family health emergencies, a historic freeze, and loss of life. I could not have navigated this past year without roots in my Christian faith. I would be a withered-up flower, a person filled with anger and negativity. We all can choose to move forward into our faith when bad things can happen. The more rooted we are the harder it is to turn away. 

“They withered because they had no root.” 

During a recent storm, a large oak tree fell in our neighborhood. The overturned tree’s short and stubby roots were sticking up in the air. I took this opportunity to discuss with my kids the importance of having a strong foundation—roots—in our Christian faith. Developing strong WE can stay grounded during the tough times because we are rooted in our faith. We can go deeper beyond “surface religion.” If that oak tree would have had deeper roots, not “surface roots,” it would not have fallen.

“They withered because they had no root.” 

So, how can you be sure to tend your soil so that the seeds can go deeper? Surround yourselves with those who have the same Christian goals. Our roots are different, some short and some long. Just like any relationship, we must tend to our soil by deepening our relationship with God. Attend church, volunteer, be open to fellowship, a bible study, read a good book, or even listen to Christian music. This is the rain, fertilizer, and nutrients of our Christian faith.  

During a recent Sunday School lesson someone said, “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but it is greener where you water it.” Tend your soil and deepen your roots, friends!   

Prayer:
Thank you, God, for providing me with so many avenues to be close to you. Help me to continue to deepen my roots and spread the seed of God. Give me the knowledge and opportunity to share your word. As always, helps me to walk and talk like Jesus. Amen.