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Called to ministry?

/ Will N. / Leave a comment

Are you called to ministry?

While not every believer is gifted for missionary service or for a vocational livelihood within the church, all those who follow the path of Christ are called to ministry in its most fundamental sense- sacrificial service offered to God through service to others.

Perhaps a limited definition of ministry and an often hyper-specific concept of calling have contributed to the framing that unintentionally creates two classes of disciples- some as “professionals” and others as “just everyday Christians.”

Many of us may have been raised as believers by believers, and our personal narratives may lack the moments of coming to ourselves in the gutter or having a specific Damascus Road-style encounter. We don’t need a dramatic testimony of our personal brokenness to equip to minister to others- we simply need the realization that the best moralist and the most public sinner are both in desperate need of salvation in Christ.

In 1 Peter 2, Scripture reminds us that all believers are given roles and functions in building up the spiritual house of God. Paul notes in Romans 12, as well as in 1 Cor 12, that believers are to give their lives as living sacrifices through diverse ministries including preaching, giving, encouraging, leading, and showing mercy.

Whether we come to Christ through a dramatic turnaround or a more slowly developing movement toward embracing Christ’s will, all who come to share in Christ’s family are likewise called to use our lives in service to build and extend His kingdom.

We are told to use whatever we have for the building up of the body of Christ (Eph 4:12). For some, it may be advanced academic training in theology- after all, we need Bible translators, apologetics experts, and Christian professors. For others, the lessons of Christianity will be experienced less in a classroom and more in the streets- whether as people in recovery, people in the helping professions, or both.

We need believers who possess a deeper knowledge of God’s Word, and we need believers who have experienced those timeless truths directly in their own lives. No single disciple and no single body of believers will be a perfect blend of every attribute, but together we unite to form a worshipping community that can better display the fullness of Christ to the watching world.

 We need believing farmers, school teachers, factory workers, salesmen, bankers, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, and stay-at-home parents. We need wealthy believers who use their financial blessings for good, and we need to recognize our brothers and sisters among the most poor and marginalized folks in our communities. We need believers who focus on offering more Christ-centered teaching, and we need believers who share in serving and seeking justice for the most vulnerable people who stand in need of the hope of Jesus and the healing relationships found most fully in Christ’s church.

As we read about earliest Christians, we can appreciate that Paul and Peter, Mary and Martha, Barnabas and Stephen, Lydia and Timothy were all faithful to the Lord, but each one was faithful using his/her own particular gifts and talents. Like them, our own stories are not identical as we work out the ministries God has placed before us.

No two people have the same exact skills and gifts, but we must come to see that the gospel’s call to salvation in Christ is always accompanied by the call to serve in Christ’s kingdom.

It’s not just a list

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Several years ago, well-known preacher Fred Craddock presented a memorable sermon based on Romans 16. Like many of the closing chapters of the New Testament letters, this chapter is often neglected because it contains a long list of names- individuals that the apostle Paul wanted to recognize and inquire about within the church in Rome.

Paul’s comments found here are markedly different from the deep, theological content of the early letter- almost as if Paul has offered his letter as a sermon and then added these thoughts like we might offer congregational announcements or a prayer list. Craddock wisely notes that we often miss out in failing to pay closer attention to these names- these are the very men and women that Paul, and the Holy Spirit through his words, wanted to acknowledge and bring to the reader’s attention. It’s not just a list to be skimmed over- it is the recognition of otherwise unknown Christians who are our spiritual ancestors in the faith.

If asked to name individuals who influenced your faith, who would be on your list?

For most of us, it would not be primarily well-known evangelists, successful celebrity pastors, or famous missionaries. Instead, our mind’s eye would turn back to the people that first taught us the good news about Jesus and the individuals who have demonstrated faithfulness through the tough times and trials of life. On my list, I would place my parents and grandparents who provided living examples and sources of constant encouragement to me.

Beyond my family, I would think about Larry, an elder in the congregation where I grew up. Larry ran an auto parts store during the week and served as an active Sunday School teacher in our local church. Larry later began preaching full-time for a smaller church in our community and continues to give his retirement years to volunteer work and raising funds for Christian summer camps.

A little later in my youth, a new school teacher who had moved to our community began to serve as a part-time youth minister in our church. Bobby became a life-long friend first by taking me to youth events and then encouraging me to use my gifts in church settings. Two decades after those days in the youth group, Bobby officiated our wedding ceremony- a youth minister who became a fellow preacher, peer, and dear friend.

I think about the women of our community who shaped by life through their faithful servant hearts and godly examples. Women like Johnnie Bell, Jermie, Peggy, Annette, Loretta, Nancy, Gwen, Betty, the three Louise(s), and others who through my childhood and early ministry encouraged and prayed for me. My list includes my college roommate Brandon who died young, but left a lasting influence of faith on each life he touched.

None of these people will be remembered for founding a Christian college, taking the gospel into dangerous foreign fields, or leading revivals that saw thousands come to Christ, but each one made a lasting difference in my walk with Christ. Whatever difference I make in ministry stands upon the support and encouragement of such people. Anyone I might influence who then in turn will influence others can know that the  stream of service we stand in spans back through generations to the earliest disciples.

I hope the next time we are reading Scripture and run across names like Amplias, Epaenetus, or Urbanus, we will not skip over them as just unpronounceable names, but instead will remember that God’s Word and God’s story is full of people we will never meet who changed the world by being faithful to Christ right where they were.

Love lightens the burden

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Photo by Timur Kozmenko – Pexels

At some point in life, we each experience a shift in perspective that changes our minds.

Perhaps we thought big vacations were overhyped until we saw the expression on our granddaughter’s face as she saw Cinderella’s castle for the first time. Perhaps we never liked a particular band until hearing a certain song that reminded us of a specific moment our childhood. Perhaps we could only see another school in a harsh spirit of rivalry until the students held a fundraiser for a personal friend who had been suddenly stricken with cancer.

There is a common thread tying together such changes of mind: when we are personally connected to a place, person, or community, we come away with a different perspective than we could ever experience only as unattached onlookers or observers. When our affections are impacted, our thoughts are reshaped as well.

Jesus spoke of His yoke being easy and His burden being light (Mt 11:28-30). When we think about the commands of Jesus- to love enemies, to forgive repeat offenders, to serve the poor and suffering, and so forth- it is easy to believe Jesus is sharing an ideal of discipleship rather than the reality most of us actually experience. How can doing the “impossible” tasks Jesus commands be in any way easy or light?

When loving relationships are placed at the center of our lives, this focus dramatically alters our response to the will of God.

As long as we see God’s will as a tax and weight upon our own desires and dreams for our lives, we will struggle to live by faith. If our obedience to God is motivated only by fear or the hope of earning greater blessing, we will not be able to sustain conformity to God’s will over time.

If, however, we accept the grace-filled gift of God’s love and seek to live in faithful response to that love, the overflow of our love serves to open our lives more and more to His will. If I am guided by obligation or fear, my actions will betray my lack of deep commitment or affection for whatever work I am involved in. No matter how faithful my actions are outwardly, the inner war of forcing myself to obey will reveal itself in my attitude, my tone, my words, and eventually my actions.

Compulsion and duty may push me to serve for a time, but my heart will not be truly invested in my discipleship. Frustration, anger, and burnout are the overflow of a heart that day by day must force itself to do what is right without the underlying motivation of genuine love and compassion. While going through the motions may keep us outwardly faithful for a season, without love for God and love for others our actions are just so much activity and noise that can never satisfy us nor please God (1 Cor 13:1-3).

When we love a job, even the hardest work seems less burdensome. When we love a person, no sacrifice seems too great to bring about their happiness. If we love our country or a cause deeply, no call of duty can come that we would not accept. In an even greater way when we come to love God, His commands become more and more a source of delight rather than dread.

When love is present, His call to serve becomes an added source of blessing rather than another burden. Such unburdened rest is found not in the absence of activity but in our daily submission as we offer Christ our brokenness and open our hearts to His blessing.

Kindness is always a good fit

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Several years ago following the closing of my local men’s shop, I found myself needing a new suit.

While in Nashville for doctor’s appointment, I noticed a national menswear location having a sale nearby.

I was in my mid-20s, several friends were marrying in the coming months, and I needed to make my purchase soon.

Upon entering, I spotted an older man who appeared the stereotype of a tailor- tape measure around his neck, reading glasses perched on his nose, and a determined look on his face.

The store was empty of other customers, so I walked up, and briefly explained I didn’t wear a suit often, but I was looking for something simple for funerals, weddings, and special occasions.

Looking me up and down, he responded, “Well, do you prefer the Asian style cut or more of a European fit?”

He could tell I did not know the difference, and it seemed to give him joy to watch me look unsure.

“I am not sure. Just simple and black and that fits well I think,” I finally answered.

“Unless you know what you want, I can’t help you. Look around if you want,” he said and went back to folding shirts.

While this was a relatively minor incident, it made me feel small, unwelcome, and foolish. I was a most willing customer, but for whatever reason, he did not see me, listen to me, or do anything helpful- instead, he left me feeling that I was not worthy of his time, energy, or effort.

Because he did not make any effort to listen or truly help, he missed an opportunity to not only make a sale, but to show common courtesy.

And I was still without a suit.

A rival chain store was nearby, so I stopped there. As I entered, I met William.

William also had the tape measure and reading glasses, but he had a smile, warmth, and questions.

He asked what I was looking for, where I lived, what I did for a living, how often I wore a suit, how long I had been in ministry, how soon I would need the suit if it required alterations.

Because of a seasonal markdown, I could actually buy two suits with my budget, and he advised me to do the basic black I needed, but also a more youthful brown.

He spent well over an hour with me- measuring, adjusting, and giving me time to consider options and styles. I mentioned my plans to a wedding the next weekend, and he offered to have any alterations done quickly so I would not have to make another trip to Nashville.

I drove home that day with not only the clothes I needed, but with more confidence, a sense of being heard and helped, and a great impression of that man and his store.

Now years later, I still have “William the Suit Guy” saved in my phone, and I have shopped with that company several times since.

Small encounters matter a great deal.

People we encounter every day may appear to have widely differing needs, but each person wants to feel seen, appreciated, and valued.

For all I know the man at the first store was just having a bad day, but I still remember how I felt when I walked out of his store and the stark contrast when I left after my time with William a few hours later.

While person’s faith must be grounded in truth and not based on feelings alone, how we choose to respond when people ask us about our faith will either welcome conversations or will serve to shut down even the most eager, curious people.

I pray that our hearts will be more attuned to hear what people are truly saying, and our words and actions might point them to our Lord who loves, listens, and truly cares about each person.

Summertime Prayer

/ Will N. / Leave a comment

In this change of season, Lord, we ask also for a change of heart.

Take our reservoirs of defensiveness and self-preservation, and let these stored energies be transformed into streams of kindness and compassion.

Lord, in a culture that tells us to demand more and more, allow us to find satisfaction with less and less.

Grant us the awareness and humility to see when our hearts are being pulled away from the center of who we are called to be in Christ.

Open our eyes that we might see ourselves more clearly, and in the realization of our weakness, return to You and Your strength.

May a better sense of our own limitations cause us to experience a growing grace toward our neighbors.

Clarify our desires- help us to recognize the dangers that arise from settling for passing entertainment and distraction when we actually long for purpose and meaning.

Restore within us the wonder and joy of seeing holy things.

Give us the child-like awe of watching bubbles spiraling upward, spying rainbows emerging from the midst of summer storms, and tasting Sno-cone sweetness running down our chins on a hot July day.

Help us to love this creation that You have given us to enjoy- open our eyes that we might take less for granted and give praise for more and more of life’s pleasures.

Draw us to constant celebration of the goodness of Your very good world in each aspect of our lives.

Open our souls to be filled to overflowing with appreciation and wonder.

Let the beauty of Your gifts, as well as the truth of Your Word, draw us back to You through all our days.

Overwhelm us with Your ever-renewing kindness and compassion.

May our hearts, broken by the hardships of life, be refreshed by the awareness that You are with us and continually strengthen us.

Implant within us a greater desire and growing commitment to walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh.

Help us to see that we cannot stand in our own power nor survive in our own strength.

Cause us to admit that we cannot thrive without Your presence and the fellowship of Your people.

Draw us away from our individualistic pursuits of power and recognition that we might form together the community of faith You long to inhabit and empower to live out Your mission in our world.

Let our dreams of Your kingdom be so deep and broad that they are doomed to fail without Your approving participation and our mutual cooperation.

Help us to faithfully see ourselves, both strengths and weaknesses, and to yield all for Your glory and the good of Your kingdom.

In all things, may we be drawn together as we are drawn more and more to Jesus.

In His holy and awesome name, we pray, amen.

Battling Bird Vision

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Our house resounded with a peculiar thud throughout the day.

The newly-resident bluebirds had begun to announce their presence by repeatedly slamming into our large glass windows.

While millions of birds die each year in the United States by accidentally flying into high-rise buildings, the springtime phenomena we experienced is more complex- the vigilant bird sees its own reflection in the glass, perceives its image to be a rival, and attempts to drive away the interloper- all the while, the bird is actually attacking its own mirrored self.

While birds do not have the ability to tell a genuine enemy from their own reflection, people are often guilty of similar confusion.

When we cannot see ourselves truly, we tend to respond with aggression toward any and all perceived threats- never realizing that our perception, rather than reality, is often the actual adversary.

Such a distorted mindset creates a spiritual haze over our lives. What do we miss when we embrace this limited, bird-like-blindness approach to life?

One great danger to our vision is forgetting that our identity is to flow from who we are in Christ. In Jesus, our identity is more fully realized by seeking to live out the faith we claim. Scripture notes that to look into God’s Word for wisdom and then to immediately return unchanged to our old lives makes us like a man who looks in a mirror, turns away, and immediately forgets his appearance (James 1). Instead, we are to look at Christ and then look inward adapting our lives to His image. As disciples, we must die to self-focus and allow a faithful reflection of Christ to be seen in us (Gal 2:20).

Beyond a spiritual identity crisis, we can also find ourselves moving through our days without a clear purpose. Drawing on the imagery of ancient Greek sports, Paul speaks of the danger of not having a goal as we go through life (1 Cor 9). Like an undisciplined athlete, the believer who does not align his life with the ultimate goal of growing in Christ will fail to develop either spiritual strength or skill- like an ineffective boxer jabbing wildly into the air.

Adding more activity is no guarantee of progress, yet intentionally growing in focused disciplines can us help to clarify our goals, prevent wasted energy, and move forward.

Once we recognize ourselves and our goals, we must avoid the mistake of failing to finish strong.

In his last letter, Paul signs off with words that draw a contrast between Demas and Mark. Paul’s former coworker Demas has forsaken him while Mark, who Paul initially doubted, has proven himself a valuable minister (2 Tim 4).

Paul notes his own calling, and the fact he has been faithful to the end. If not focused on finishing well, we risk leaving a life of faithfulness behind to chase the distractions of the present world.

Far too often when encountered with life’s busy seasons, our hearts begin to drift.

Not recognizing this tendency in ourselves, we can end up disoriented and step away from our solid grounding in Christ.

Ultimately, the downfall of our backyard bluebirds results from a terrible illusion- they fear an outward enemy when the real danger is the self-inflicted harm arising from their aggressive, disoriented state.

Sadly, this distorted experience often marks the lives of believers- we fear persecution when our own distractions and disillusionment are almost always greater dangers.

May God grant us the grace to see ourselves clearly, to focus our faith, and to claim the reality of our connection to Christ as the basis of our hope.

Come aside and rest awhile…

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On reaching another birthday, I am realizing my physical resilience is not what it was years ago. Two decades ago, as a young minister, I could get up early, stay up late, and do a lot in between with seemingly little physical cost. While we often experience decreasing physical energy as we age, spiritual fatigue is a more subtle danger facing us in our constantly overscheduled world.

We live in an age of constant rush. Advances in technology have made daily tasks easier/faster, but rather than taking more time to rest and engage with friends and family, we have allowed cultural pressures to convince us to add even more busyness to our lives.

There never seem to be enough hours in the day or days in the week to accomplish all of our plans. We constantly bemoan our lack of time, but in reality, we are often choosing to take on more than is healthy for us- both physically and spiritually.

Those walking through addiction recovery understand that the danger of relapse dramatically increases during times of stress- hunger, loneliness, fatigue, shifting schedules, or relationship crises. Just as acute stress can pose dangers, potential pitfalls abound when we continually chase the idol of busyness.

In our constant pressing forward, we invite damage to our health, our relationships, and ultimately, our connection with God.

Blinded by busyness, we often refuse to heed the warning signs of overwork and overstimulation.

If we do not intentionally seek rest, we will unintentionally break down under the constant strain of our schedules.

This truth is not only a pillar of contemporary self-help books, the importance of rest is a principle deeply rooted in Scripture.

While murder and adultery are condemned in the Ten Commandments, weekly rest is commanded (Exodus 20:8-11). This detailed idea of Sabbath as a day of rest looks far different than most of the weekend rituals we practice today.

On the very day God’s Old Testament people were told to abstain from all work, modern believers often attempt to frantically jam more activity into the end of our week.

On Sunday when the New Testament saints gathered for longer periods worship (Acts 20:7), we often rush through our worship (or skip it entirely) in order to pack in baby showers, bridal teas, ball practices, family visits, grocery shopping, and preparations for the upcoming week.

The concept of the “Sunday scaries,” the idea that the anticipation of the coming week’s overwhelming busyness invades our day of rest and overwhelms our peace of mind, is a reality for many today.

Surrounded by our culture of hustle, we each must find ways to rest- even as we live in the midst of such external busyness. This need for grounding calm in a chaotic world is nothing new for believers.

In the midst of trauma and unrest, David strengthened himself in God (1 Sam 23:16). In the midst of persecution and physical danger, God provided sleep and food for Elijah (1 Kgs 19:4-7).

In the gospels, Jesus withdrew and prayed alone with His Father- both as a regular practice (Lk 5:16) and at especially critical moments (Lk 6:12-13). In the midst of a period of exceedingly fruitful ministry that proved overwhelming to the disciples, Jesus invited them to pull back, regroup, and rest (Mk 6:31).

If Moses, David, Elijah, Peter, and even Jesus needed times of rest and renewal, we are foolish to think we can just keep running at full speed without disastrous consequences.

Mature believers must come to recognize the self-deception we embrace whenever we trust our own strength and proceed to pile on more and more busyness wearing ourselves thin with constant activity.

Whenever human ability alone is trusted as the source of spiritual strength, failure is certain.

We must be willing to set our minds on the things of the Spirit (Rom 8:6), and then intentionally seek the rest and renewal that can only come through time spent in God’s presence.

People of the Second Chance

/ Will N. / 1 Comment

I finished an intense memoir by a woman who has struggled with many of the same mental health issues I have faced over the last two decades. One key difference in our stories is that, while she faced rejection from her family, bullying by so-called friends, and came to suffer from eating disorders, self-injury, and drug abuse, I received a stream of constant support.

Even though our medical charts might show a similar chemical starting point, our stories ultimately followed two extremely different paths. I know the intensity of my own pain even with so many advantages, and her candid story reminded me that each person we encounter is struggling with something- and often hiding it quite well for a long, painful time.

Every day we witness people making bad choices or falling into destructive patterns, and we are tempted to say, “They should know better.”

While taking personal responsibility for our actions is essential, we also need to appreciate the circumstances and conditions that have led others to where they find themselves. While accountability is vital, it is naïve to think that we all are starting our lives in the same place with all of the same advantages.

I realize all too well that it is a challenge to continue to offer grace to people who repeatedly make negative choices and break our trust, but I am so thankful for the many people in my own history who chose to give me those second and third chances. I am also grateful that I believe in a God whose active, life-giving grace provides me the ability to start over when I fall short.

While thankful for the day-to-day stability in this season of my life, I hope I never become so settled or so stable or so secure that I forget what it was like to need another chance. People were willing to give them to me when I didn’t deserve them, and I know that I too need to be an agent committed to sharing that same grace.

Each day we all encounter someone we can influence or encourage- someone who stands in need of another chance.

A kind word, a caring hug, or a thoughtful compliment can be such a catalyst in a person’s life. I pray we can all look to be that influence– the provider of the second chance.

Send that text. Mail that card. Make that call.

Understanding just what the person is facing is not possible nor is it really the point– we must simply realize that we don’t have to withhold our love from people until they get it all figured out.

In fact, we come to appreciate that it is in the act of loving people and extending another chance that they often realize the courage to hang on for another day and to begin moving forward.

  • I don’t have to fully understand to love you without condition.
  • I don’t have to fully understand to serve you without selfish motives.
  • I don’t have to fully understand to pray for better days to come.
  • I don’t have to fully understand to make sure you get home safely.
  • I don’t have to fully understand to sit up with you while you cry.
  • I don’t have to fully understand to realize we are all in this together.
  • I don’t have to fully understand to be willing to offer you a second chance.

Life is hard enough as it is, but it proves to be so much harder without support.

No one needs to face this life alone- especially when we each have the ability to make a difference.

May our eyes, ears, and hearts be open to opportunities; not to fix others, but to walk beside the hurting people in our lives and to extend to them the grace others have willingly given us. In seeking to lead with grace, we embrace the renewed life we have in Christ and are strengthened to share it with others.

Out of the overflow…

/ Will N. / 1 Comment

Over twenty years ago during my first college semester, I took a required course in public communication. While our professor detailed many concepts about developing and outlining different types of effective presentations, one idea especially stuck with me. He reflected on the fact that the most impactful sermons, speeches, and even sales pitches were often those that were less scripted and simply overflowed naturally as the speaker shared freely about a truly personal passion.

“Learn all you can about whatever you love, and you can always speak from the overflow.”

Some people seem born to speak from the overflow.

As a young boy, I listened to my dad’s friends and their seemingly endless streams of sports conversations. Anything from obscure Major League Baseball records to the local high school basketball tournament brackets from 30 years before, these men knew all the details. In that pre-Google world, they had no need to look up information each time a question arose- their lifetimes of passionate fandom had prepared them to respond quickly and accurately on almost any matter sports-related. They loved sports, and they willingly spent their time discussing and debating their passion with anyone who would listen.

Having both heard and given thousands of sermons in my life, some of the most memorable came from the overflow that welled up from within the preacher- those moments that went “off script” and poured out from the depths of the heart. Even the timeless closing of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech happened when he departed from his prepared notes and blended rhythmic cadence and lofty words to deliver a summation that has echoed down through the decades.

Scripture endorses speaking (and living) out of our passionate overflow.

In Luke 6:45, Jesus says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance [overflow] of the heart his mouth speaks.”

As we look at people’s lives over time, their guiding principles are revealed through their words and actions. When a person drifts off script or private thoughts are caught on a hot mic, the reality of the heart is seen. While all people can and do fall short at times in moments of stress and frustration, the nature of a person’s overall character will be reflected in their lives over time.

Polished presentation of smooth talking points can mislead the masses for a time, but the heart’s abundance will always reveal our true character to those that know us best.

One of the most difficult aspects of navigating faith, family, and friendship is to be able to acknowledge when our loved ones are unaware of (or worse unconcerned about) the damage their unfiltered words cause to the people in their lives. Such overflow may seem incidental, but it springs from the depths of who we are. Over time in the casual, off book moments of life, the actual inclination of our hearts is seen- for better or worse. Believers must always seek to intentionally abide in the life-giving source of God’s love if we want our overflow to serve as grace-filled blessing to others.

The visible fruit that springs forth and ripens in the words and actions of our daily lives ultimately serves to openly reveal the hidden content of our hearts.

Good hearts overflow with good things that serve as a blessing and benefit all. The only way to overflow with blessings toward others is to fill our own hearts and lives with the goodness we are called to in Christ. If we find our own satisfaction in being filled with God’s loving truth, the overflow of our daily lives will both faithfully reflect divine love and serve as a blessing to each person we encounter.

Tend Your Garden

/ Will N. / 1 Comment

It may seem a bit early in the year to mention a garden, but those who plant and cultivate the soil to bring forth new life know that there is work and planning to do in every season. When it comes to tending the thoughts and feelings that we allow to take root in our minds and hearts, the cycle of planting, nurturing, and harvesting is ongoing- whether we consciously realize it or not.

I have been blessed to live my entire life in a series of rural communities that depend heavily on agriculture. My neighbors and I know what it is like to form a line of traffic behind tractors and planters throughout the work of springtime and then combines and cotton pickers during harvest of the fall. Even in our modern, fast-paced world, the rhythms of our lives are tied to the seasonal changes that impact the land and the folks who work it faithfully. Whether we ourselves are directly employed in agriculture or not, all of us should come to see that our food, clothing, and fuel are all connected to it- not only by local farms, but by the economic and environmental forces tied to farming around the world.

Simply stated, what we plant and harvest affects us all.

This reality is evident in physical farming, but it is just as true when it comes to spiritual matters.

In Hebrews 12, the writer says that encouraging one another is a vital part of the Christian experience. We are to pursue unity and peace, so we can live into the grace of God and receive the fullness of His promised blessings. We are to seek holiness and wholeness as God’s people- both individually and collectively. Why are we told to do these things? We are to actively seek to live together in grace and peace, “…lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble…” (Heb 12:15).

When I fail to tend the inner garden of my heart, and instead dwell on the shortcomings of others or the mistakes of my past, the root of bitterness begins to form in my thoughts, words, and actions. If unchecked, this poisonous plant continues to spread, grow, and strengthen within me.

You may have witnessed a once-cultivated field that has been left fallow and untended for a time. Almost overnight, weeds and grass will appear, then brush and saplings, and soon larger trees and invasive plants like kudzu and spreading vines will overtake the entire area. Despite decades of care, it takes a comparatively short time for that natural wildness to return and dominate once more.

Our hearts are no different.

Unless I am willing to daily examine my life and remove the dangers seeking to grow there, my faith will soon be overtaken by a growing tangle of negativity, bitterness, and self-focus. As these spiritual weeds grow up unchecked, they become so thick and abounding that it becomes far more difficult to remove them without causing severe damage to the fruitful aspects of my life (Mt 13:24-30). Sometimes we cannot see how much our own lives have been overtaken, and we need the caring counsel and encouragement of faithful friends to restore us (Gal 6:1-5). In the same way our local farmers rally to help when a neighbor is struggling to finish the harvest due to sickness or bad weather, we all need fellow believers to gather around us to support and lend a hand in when we face hard times spiritually (Rom 12:15).

Just as it is far easier to uproot a tender tomato plant than a century-old oak, we must recognize that removing negative attitudes and actions is much more easily done before they can take a firm hold in our lives.

“Old habits die hard” is a proven proverb, and so it benefits us and the people we love to deal with our sins and shortcomings before the roots deepen.

If we tend our garden faithfully, our opportunities for fruitfulness in God’s kingdom will grow, and our lives will have the spiritual space to flourish and impact others for God’s glory.