Rocks: Changing Your Soil Part 2
Seeds that Fell Among the Rocks
20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
(Matthew 13:20-21 NIV)
- These people are saved; because the gospel has taken root in their heart.
- Unfortunately little fruit is produced.
- They believe and rejoice in belonging to Jesus for a while.
- But when things get rough, they quit following Christ..
- Often these believers become disillusioned and leave the church.
- But though they stray from the Shepherd, Jesus still sees them as His beloved, wandering sheep.
Still Safe
Fortunately, our salvation does not depend on our fruitfulness. Jesus paid for our sin and opened Heaven to us as a free gift (Romans 6:23). But there’s also a practical reason why I believe these people are saved. Because many eventually repent and return to the Lord.
Growing Good Roots
The major question is, how do we grow roots? Because we all start out as shallow Christians. Attending church regularly? That’s good. But listening to sermons and singing worship songs once a week isn’t enough to take root.
Here’s what helped me develop a healthy root system.
- I learned Jesus needs to be the Lord of my life, not just my Savior.
- A Christian’s life is a life of serving others and loving the Lord.
- The Bible is the inspired word of God and I can know Him better by reading his word.
- Obedience is the key part of Lordship.
Early on. I joined a Christian group on campus called the Navigators. These older believing students taught me to start seeking God’s will for my life.
He’s led me in some interesting directions.
These Christians taught me to memorize Scripture and spend time reading the Bible each morning. Other believers taught me how to pray. One of their key insights? The Lord might answer “yes” to my request or “no.” But perhaps God’s answer was “wait.” Because it wasn’t time yet for that prayer to be granted
I have been stunned by some of God’s answers.
Walking with Lord, I found out He has a sense of humor. Jesus has also walked with me in some dark places. I trust His “no” answers now too, even though it hurts.
After 40 plus years, I’m convinced the Trinity delights in me, even when I’m unhappy with myself.
I’ve put down some healthy roots.
What Builds Rocky Soil is a Believer’s Heart?
Bad teaching will surround a new Christian with rocky soil, trapping them.
Here’s a few examples.
Some believers are taught to get angry with God and tell Him off whenever He’s “unfair.” These Christians then stomp off and sulk in a corner. Who’s in charge? Not Jesus, They don’t acknowledge His blessings, His greater wisdom or His eternal goodness.
- Who’s the servant and who’s the master? It’s inverted.
- Other new Christians are taught they won’t suffer. Nothing bad will ever happen to them because they are now God’s children. So when tough times hit, they feel betrayed by God. Yet this is a false teaching too. Here’s what Jesus said;
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
God’s goal isn’t to give us a happy, carefree life. Instead, He wishes us to reflect Christ’s character. Most of my Christian growth has come during the bad times. I’ve even been grateful, because I came to know Him in a deeper way
- Finally, when a bad teacher undermines the power of the Bible as the word of God, a believer is adrift and vulnerable to any lie the devil wants to hit them with. Their roots become surrounded by stones and blocked from taking in much nourishment.
My Spiritual Point
I was discipled by wise teachers. Even though many of them were only two or three years older then me. So I didn’t struggle with rocky soil. My root system became well established.
Next week we will talk about thorns, and that’s a ‘thorny issue’ with me, even today.
These images came from Pixabay.com
