The Work of Being Freshly Planted

Gardening is both fun and hard work. Our corn is coming in, which for some reason, is the most entertaining to me. At least one of everything we’ve planted is visible above the surface, or more specifically, the plant of each type. We’ve not yet reached the harvest season.

Last year, we built a raised bed, and this year, we expanded to add another piece of the yard that we hoed and did our best to prepare before planting. While we anticipated this, it’s very clear that the new bed is not yet fully cultivated. The battle between weeds and intentional plants is underway, and we shall see which wins out in the end.

It reminded me of the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4 where seeds are planted in all kinds of places, but only the good soil allows the seeds to take root and thrive. 

Freshly planted seeds and plants are more susceptible to losing the battle with weeds. They have not yet had a chance to get established and grow deep roots, which makes them more vulnerable. As a result, these plants require more work, protection, and consistent oversight.

The same is true of new believers.

When someone accepts Christ, they have made the greatest decision they will ever make, but they also become a target for the enemy. That is why community and discipleship is so important. We always need these things, but especially so when we are baby Christians, growing our roots into God’s Word, and getting established. We need more experienced believers to work with us, protect us, and watch over us in our early days to help us say yes to the Spirit and no to the world. We need someone to do the work of guiding us through the freshly planted season.

Plants and believers, gardens and the kingdom. They’re really not so different.

So, do you have community and discipleship in your world?