Better Soil, Better Outcomes

This spring, I undertook a simple lawn project that would teach me an unexpected lesson about spiritual growth. I planted grass seeds in two places in my lawn. In one of those places the ground was lower, so I added some topsoil. In the other place I simply tilled up the existing ground. I spread the seed and over the course of the next few weeks I watered and waited patiently for some sign of the new grass. Eventually I saw some blades breaking through the soil, but only in the area where I added the topsoil. During the week that followed, more and more grass was appearing in that one section, but nothing in the other. Eventually grass appeared in that other section, but even now it doesn't seem to be as thick or as healthy. It finally dawned on me that the topsoil claimed to be fortified with various nutrients that would enhance growth. I've always been suspicious that those claims were a scam to trick you into buying their product, but I guess it does make a difference. Better soil results in better outcomes.

This gardening experience brought to mind one of Christ's most enduring parables about seeds and soil found in Matthew 13. Jesus described how the same seeds of divine truth produce vastly different outcomes depending on the condition of the hearts where they're planted. His values and his kingdom are seeds sown in the lives of many, but in some lives there are positive, long-lasting outcomes while in others there are not. And what makes the difference is the soil.

Jesus promises us abundant life, but the abundance of that life largely depends on the condition of our hearts – the quality of the soil where those abundant life seeds are sown. It's clear that some Christians enjoy more of the benefits of Jesus' teaching – things like joy, peace, hope, patience, kindness – while others experience less of those benefits. Our hearts need to be receptive to his teachings. They need to be fortified, so to speak, to promote abundant and healthy outcomes.

I'm really not sure what makes grass sprout healthier, but I might have an idea of what makes the abundant life that Jesus promises to grow more rapidly and plentifully. Here are some suggestions that very well may fortify the soil of your heart.

Every soil needs a good dose of humility. All of us need to be open to instruction. A humble heart is willing and anxious to receive advice and instruction. Be open to wise counsel and even be willing to receive criticism with a positive outlook. We are all learning the ins and outs of this thing called life, and learning from others who are further down the road is a sure benefit.

Add to humility a healthy amount of confession. Inevitably we will all fail, and when we do we can either live in denial or confess our mistakes and learn from them. When you mess up, confess up and put that failure behind you and seek better and healthier behaviors. Receive God's forgiveness, never allowing the poison of excessive guilt to stunt your growth.

And finally, mix in a sizeable measure of confidence. As a creature of the most high God you have been made in his image. There's goodness in you that is waiting to emerge. You can be the person God made you to be – a person of love, joy, and peace. It's all inside you. As a Christian you are a temple of the Holy Spirit. God himself dwells within you, eager to manifest himself through you. Even the most barren of lawns can become a plush garden of goodness with the help of the divine gardener.

The question for each of us remains: What kind of soil are we providing for the seeds of God's truth? Are we cultivating hearts that are humble, honest, and confident in His love? Are we creating conditions where His abundant life can take root and flourish?

What makes the difference is the soil.