Let's talk about gardening: The parable of the sower

How do you take care of your garden? Maintaining a garden requires regular attention and care. In my own front garden and driveway, I often find weeds sprouting up along the sides and between the paving stones. These unwelcome intruders frustrate me, as some are easy to pull out, while others are deeply rooted. It seems like every time the sun touches them, they flourish, making my garden and driveway appear unkempt. So, how do I take care of my garden? Let me share my approach with you.

Garden Maintenance:

To keep my garden in shape, I engage in the following practices on a weekly basis:

1. Weed Removal:

I frequently pull out the weeds, ensuring to remove them from the roots. For the stubborn, deep-rooted ones like dandelions (the worst of the bunch!), I make and apply homemade weed killer.

2. Watering:

I take care of my hedging plants, which were planted with the help of my neighbour. Proper watering ensures the right environment for their growth. Currently, they stand just below my knees, but the type of hedge I selected for the front garden has the potential to reach a height of 40 feet!

Heart Gardening:

Reflecting on the parable of the sower in Mark 4, I realised the importance of regularly tending to not just my garden but also my heart. Jesus interpreted the parable, explaining that the seeds represent the word of God, while the different types of soil symbolise our hearts. In Mark 4:18-20, Jesus describes why some seeds sown among weeds fail to produce a harvest, while others sown on good soil thrive. Allow me to share an insightful version of the verses from The Message translation:

‘The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it. But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams.’

Cultivating the Heart:

I found it intriguing how Jesus used the metaphor of a seed to represent the word. Just like seeds thrive when planted in the right environment, the word of God also flourishes in receptive hearts. We need to treat our hearts as cherished gardens and care for them frequently. Here's how we can tend to our hearts like diligent gardeners:

1. Identify and Uproot Weeds:

Observe your thoughts and compare them to God's word. If your thoughts contradict what God says in His word, you're dealing with weeds. Be alert and mindful of what you are thinking about and mulling on in your mind. These may include faulty beliefs, ideologies, or fears that hinder the word from fulfilling its purpose. Uproot them from your heart.

2. Meditate on God's Word:

Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, meditate on God's word. For example, if you are worried about the future remind yourself of what God says to you in Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP)

‘For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’

Guard your mind against negative influences from social media, such as videos or people whose messages contradict God's word. Remember that your thoughts shape your feelings and vice versa, and this in turn influences your behaviour. Starve those negative thoughts by responding to them with the truth of God's word.

3. Water the Word with Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving:

Nurture the word you've planted in your heart by praising and thanking God. Regularly meditate on His word and trust in His promises. Use the word to pray. Talk to God about whatever is on your heart and use the word to guide your conversations if you find it helpful. These practices create the ideal environment for God's word to produce a harvest beyond your wildest dreams.

Just as a well-maintained garden enhances the beauty of your home, a nurtured heart cultivates a fruitful life. By applying garden care principles to our hearts, we can remove the weeds of negative thoughts and desires and allow the word of God to thrive in our lives. Let's tend to our hearts, creating environments that produce abundant harvests.