For the next few weeks, we’ll take a look at “building blocks” for soul growth. This week’s theme: the Building Block of Connection.
Today’s scripture: Luke 8: 4-15 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Julie Benson):
Churches are notorious for having a few “interesting” characters in their midst — and ours is no different! Serving in various leadership positions over the years has allowed me to witness quite a motley crew within our walls. We are not too different from the characterizations Jesus uses in today’s parable.
Sowing Seeds Along The Path
Some people who start coming to church have been searching everywhere for a place to belong. They get excited about a few ideas they hear during a sermon and meet some nice folks that may share some common interests. Without considering the weight of the decision they are making, they decide to “join the club” so they proclaim their faith through public baptism and membership. The devil is excited, too, about these new initiates and before long begins to challenge their decision to follow Jesus Christ. He plants intimidating expectations of discipleship into their minds, then stirs the pot by presenting new church friends that disappoint. “This Christian thing must have been a farce,” they say. “I was better off in the bars.”
Sowing Seeds Upon The Rock
These are the people I have seen get excited during worship, singing songs with all their might, nodding during the reading of scripture, shouting “Amen!’ and “Hallelujah!” and even laughing at Jeff’s jokes. They diligently attend Bible studies and set a goal of reading the entire Bible in a year. They happily tithe to the church that is elevating their emotions. But the enthusiasm falls away when the pressures of life pile on. A parent dies, a job is lost, finances are tight, the relationship with a partner hangs on by a thread. Bible reading stops. Tithing halts. Worship is a chore. Where is God now?
Sowing Seeds Among The Thorns
Many people are fairly balanced in their church life. They attend worship regularly, study, pray, and become active in one or more church activities. Outside of church they work countless hours and reach for the next rung of success as they keep climbing the ladder of their career. They try to rub elbows with the socially savvy and network with the corporate elite. They are consumed with the sleekest cars, the most attractive homes, and the coolest technological gadgets. They go on vacations all over the world. They may raise children and give them everything they ask for. These are the people who are hearing and understanding the teachings of Jesus, but still get choked off by the things of this world and a self-serving mindset. The lessons they learned are misapplied or not applied at all.
Sowing Seeds In Good Soil
The Christians who are rooted in good soil have made good use of spiritual practices (we call them building blocks) to keep themselves in the presence of Christ: worship, generosity, service, discipleship, quiet times, and connection. What is notably different in these people, compared to seed planted on other terrain, is that they have rooted themselves into Christian fellowship. This allows them to grow as a whole person with friends that will cheer and support them in times of strength and abundance, sympathize and encourage them in times of trial or doubt, and hold them accountable in times of indiscretion and indulgence. It is so easy to take the benefits of a solid church connection for granted, but consider how the benefit is two-sided. The giving end of the connection is just as critical as the receiving end, for it is the firmly rooted seed that gives who is producing a new, healthy crop.
Thought for the day: Where and how have you sowed your seed? It’s never too late to take root and establish a solid connection.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.