To Be the Gardener

As the past few days journeyed along, I pondered about seeds. You may think about seeds of a garden. Well, these are of a similar kind. However, the seeds, of which I speak, will carry into eternity.

Each day brings us new moments to meet others for the initial time. Many refer to this as a first impression. What footprint do we wish to leave in the lives of others? There are Happy-Go-Lucky Harrys, and Sallys; Jolly Jims, and Jennys; Melancholy Marvins, and Marshas; Gracious Georges, and Gertrudes walking by us. We can make the most of our given time, and reach out to folks. Each person on this earth is special, and their soul is most important of our investing.

Let us consider the gardener. He does not have an instant garden full of tomatoes, zucchini, morning glories, or roses. In order for these delicious treats, and beautiful flowers to become their full worth, there is much work involved before the fruition. He must cultivate the land, add nutrients to the soil for proper growth, pick the right seeds for the designated area, water with tenderness, and add mulch to ensure the maximum health of each plant. We must remember the work is not done as soon as he turns the soil, and places the seeds. He must continue working the land to see the best harvest. There are weeds, and bugs which involve removal.

So this goes with those we befriend. Once we plant the seed of Jesus in the lives of others, we must not release them on their own. Is their soul not worth more than our efforts? What good would it do to tell them about Jesus, only to leave, and never return? We need to not only pray for, but with them. Perhaps giving a Bible study would help their apprehensions, their questions. We must not allow ourselves to merely plant the seed without cultivating it. Where would we be if the one who reached out to us just said, “Here is the Bible. You need to read it, and pray to Jesus”. We would most likely still be wandering in the wilderness, and no clue in sight where to go.

This journey is a one-time deal. It will only be as good as the effort in which we give. Once we reach eternity, there will be no do-overs. Time, as we know it, will change into forever. Each soul will be where the life led it. If one lived for Jesus, the soul will enter into Heaven. For the one who lived against Jesus, the soul will be cast into the eternal lake of fire.

In John 13:34, Jesus gives us a new commandment: That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. We obligate to others to give our best to them. This includes our love for, and to them.

John 13:31-5 “31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”