Planting

"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear." (Luke 8:5-8 NIV)

Jesus often used farming metaphors and parables to teach about the kingdom of God.  In this one, he is teaching us what it will look like to empower people to walk together with God.  It's all about planting.

"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:11-15 NIV)

Notice what the seed represents: the word of God.  I find myself returning to this parable over and over again when working with people.  It reminds me of several pieces I need to keep myself walking with God as God works through me to empower one more.  First of all, the seed is God's word - not my word.  That's why every one of my blog posts highlights God's word in green.  It is the part that makes the difference.  Secondly, I do not control the condition of a person's heart.  They do.  I am called to plant good seed.  When I do, the growth will vary based on the condition of the heart.  Finally, God causes the growth.  I do not.  

These three concepts are incredibly important when working to empower people.  I do my job: planting the seed.  I encourage the person to do his or her job: opening the heart.  I watch for God to do God's job: cause growth.  As long as I follow this pattern correctly, people get empowered.  When I try to do someone else's job, I mess things up.

"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. (Luke 8:16 NIV)

We cannot hide God's light in us under a clay jar.  We cannot refuse to plant seeds.  We must do our part of His plan.  Otherwise, we work against rather than walk together with God.

How about you?  Do you plant good seed?  Do you let your light shine?  Do you see God causing the growth?  Do you see different results corresponding to the condition of different hearts?