What Kind of Ground are You?

Some of us spend more time thinking about our dreams, gifts, and passions than we do pursing them. When thinking about the amount of energy we sometimes expend when it comes to our pursuit of our passion it made me think about the parable of the sower and the soil. We know that the parable refers to the seed as the word of God, but bear with me as I to use the parable to refer to the seed as the gift God sows into our lives for His purpose.

In Mark chapter 4:3-8 we read the parable of the sower and the soil. We then read in the same chapter in verses 15- 20 the explanation of the parable.

Jesus begins in verse 15 by explaining these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. When it comes to the gifts in our lives, or the passion God has given us for certain things I believe when we are first made aware of our gifts sometimes we don‘t believe God is talking to us. It’s difficult to believe He has chosen us and entrusted us, so we may dismiss the idea and think of it as a passing whim. This behavior may be found in individuals that don’t see their talents as gifts from God, but rather somehow see them as something they can do on their own.

We then read in verses 16-17 and these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. I believe this occurs when we believe God has chosen us. We know our purpose. We are excited. We tell everyone that will listen about what we believe God wants us to do. We think about ideas of what Gods plan for us will look like, but we don’t have a plan. As soon as things don’t appear as though they are moving in the right direction we become discouraged. I refer to this as having a beginning and a perceived end with no middle, or no plan to get there. Without a plan you cannot reach your desired end.

Verses 18-19 and these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Busy, busy, busy, planning, thinking, lots of ideas, unsure of which one to follow. This person may dabble in several different areas, unable to focus on one because they all feel right. They may achieve success in an area and become blinded by their initial success, so rather than continue they relish in the success and stay there only to realize this is not their final destination. Once realized they may feel as though they have failed, and may not continue. They may also become discouraged when obstacles come across their path. Rather than face the obstacles head on and learn from them they may move on to something else and start all over again. I refer to this as visions of grandeur. This person believes and acts, but is not totally convinced.

 

And finally verse 20 and these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. This person is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt of what God has called them to do. They work diligently. Do they encounter obstacles and failure? Of course they do. Do they become side tracked? Sometimes. They become disappointed but never discouraged.

I believe Paul said it best in 2: Corinthians 4:7-9 we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. These are the people that will not give up. They know God has given them gifts and depend solely on His ability, rather than their own, to bring what He has destined for their lives to come to fruition. This person is convinced and committed.

At some point in time you may experience one or more of these behaviors. You may even experience them more than once. What’s important is that you recognize your behavior and correct it. There will always be obstacles, naysayers and barriers. There will be disappointment and you will become discouraged but don’t stay in that place. Don’t allow your circumstances to control you. You must control them.

I have exhibited each of these behaviors at some point in time except for the first one. I’m a dreamer and an optimist so nothing seems impossible to me, but what about you? Which of these are you experiencing right now?

Let your gifts be sown into good ground. Ground that will receive the gifts that God has given you. Move in your gifts rather than covet someone else’s, and take your gifts to the limit!