Soiled

While I was a little disappointed to dismiss our own youth group for the evening I am always encouraged by the ecumenical collaboration and worship of the community of youth groups. I realize and want to emphasize, that the larger work of God - his kingdom, is more important than our own small context at Mustang Church of the Nazarene, or even our own life. This is why we met and what we experienced Wednesday as we gathered with 3 other youth groups from Mustang.

Matt 13 has the account of Jesus telling the parable of the sower. The parable (story) is about the individual doing to planting and there are some significant truths from that perspective. But there is some strong implications for us to consider when looking at this story from the other side.

There are four types of soils mentioned - hard, shallow, congested, and fertile. The self reflection and conviction comes when identifying the condition of the soil of our heart.
   - too hard to receive new life, produce fruit, allow for growth
   - too shallow because of broken state from things past
   - too congested with things that choke out any attempts at growth
   - receptive to new life and able to sustain fruitful growth

There is an additional truth I want to add. The thing to note about the sower is that he sows all his seed in the SAME field. All four soils exist within the same place!!!

So what areas in your life need some serious work; too hard, too shallow; too congested? What places need ground work done in order for new life to be seen? Maybe your whole heart is in a certain state or condition which means your relationship with God is pretty much non-existent and the whole thing needs work, needs faith. But maybe, you are like me and most people who call themselves Christian, and some parts are wonderful and full of the evidence of Jesus' work in your life and other areas are disaster zones. Take faith in what Paul says as he experienced this very issue: "When I am weak...then I am strong." 2 Cor 12:10.