Planting Devotional

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (James 1:21)

Have you ever planted seeds? As you put them in the ground, the excitement is palpable. You can’t help but envision all the beauty that will come from this tiny seed. Your garden is stunning, colorful, breathtaking. But not right away it isn’t! In fact, the very next day can be quite the disappointment! All you can see is dirt!

When Jesus saves us, we envision this amazing faithful walk with Him. We have been freed from our sins! So clearly, we will stop sinning right away… We have all experienced the disappointment from sinning, knowing that while we have been made alive in Christ, we still have to die to the flesh every day (Romans 8:13).

Under all that “dirt” though, new life is happening! That little seed is splitting apart and taking root. Soon enough there will be a bright green shoot springing from the soil. God alone makes this miracle occur. He has designed it this way. But ask any farmer and they will tell you; farming is not for the idle. If we want to bear fruit, we need to make sure the “seed” planted in you has everything it could possibly need.

Sunlight is crucial to the growing process. And God’s Word is a light unto our paths (Psalm 119:105). We need our daily dose! Weeds are another problem that need constant vigilance. When we allow sin to go unchecked in our lives it can provide strongholds for the Enemy! Weeds have a nasty way of choking plants, and our job is to bear fruit for the glory of Christ! His Word is necessary, it is called a mirror in James, and we should hold up that mirror so that we can see where sin is setting in and submit it to God. Lastly, nothing helps a plant grow like fertilizer. Philippians 4:8 says to dwell on what is true, noble, excellent and praiseworthy. James goes on to say that part of true religion is to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world.

Questions:

1. What are you planting in your heart?

2. What are some of the weeds that you know need to be uprooted? Have you asked God to show you them? If not, why?

3. What are you dwelling on to combat the weeds?

4. Are you protecting your heart and the seed planted in it from pollution and focusing on what is pure and praiseworthy?

5. Have you asked God to bless the growth of your spiritual life?