Did you know that every single person created in the image of God encounters specific circumstances that can make or break them? (Yes, even I, your pastor, wrestle with these things!)
While we are all tempted at various points in our lives, what we do with it matters.
Do you find yourself giving in to things God has called you to surrender?
Do you isolate yourself from people who hold you accountable?
Do you give up on everything altogether?
It pains God when we give in to these struggles. He wants nothing but His good and perfect will for our lives, but to experience that, we must be consistent in our ever-growing relationship with Him.
You see, spiritual growth only happens when we move forward with the Holy Spirit by way of consistent actions.
So how do you do that? It begins with the soil of your heart.
The Key to Sustained Spiritual Growth
Throughout the Gospels, we witness the life of One who understood the importance of spiritual growth—our Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only did He live a life pleasing to God, but He also showed us, and taught through parables how we could do the same.
The Parable of the Sower
The Gospel of Luke shares a parable about a sower who spread seeds on various types of soil—based on the condition of the soil, it determined how the seed would (or wouldn’t) grow.
In this particular lesson, there is one sower. In fact, each one of us has at least one sower in our lives. They could be a pastor, parent, mentor, or friend. This is someone who speaks God’s truth to you. They challenge and encourage you and help you move forward when you are stuck.
The seeds the sower is planting represent the word of God. It is the applied actions, teachings, and encouragement rooted in the scriptures. True kingdom seeds are not twisted to support an agenda or worldly ideals; they are given just as God intended.
While there is one sower and one seed, the results are vastly different. Why is that?
The type of soil determines what will happen to the seed.
How Is Your Soil? 4 Types of Spiritual Soil
Each believer can possess one of four soil types: wayside soil, rocky soil, thorn-filled soil, or good soil. While they can change throughout different seasons of life, we must remain consistent in pursuing the good soil. Let’s find out why.
1 | Wayside Soil (Luke 8:5,12)
“A sower went out to sow his seed, and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it.
Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts lest they should believe and be saved.”
Luke 8:5,12 (NKJV)
Those who are by the wayside are those who attend church on Sunday, agree with the word given, and by the time they pull into their driveway, a circumstance has stolen the word right out of their heart.
God wants to sow a truth within them that will change their life, but before the seed can become rooted, the devil comes and snatches it away.
The seed that God loves you.
The seed that you have a purpose in this world.
The seed that God has made provisions for your sins to be forgiven through the blood of Jesus.
Saints, be alert; the more powerful and life-changing the word is, the more effort the enemy will have in trying to steal it from you.
2 | Rocky Soil (Luke 8:6,13)
“Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture.
But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.”
Luke 8:6,13 (NKJV)
The seed in this passage withered away because not only was it lacking good soil, but it was also devoid of moisture.
Jesus spoke of Himself as the Living Water (John 4 & 7). The moisture in this parable symbolizes the power of the presence of God! Unless we are pursuing His life-changing power, our seed will die.
So how do we attain that? By worshiping the one, true God.
Psalms 22:3, NKJV says, “But You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”
Our worship invites God’s Spirit, which—like water—softens the hardest of hearts. Our praise helps us to appreciate where the Lord has brought you from, and when you have a soft heart, God can establish roots.
Furthermore, as you consistently water your seed with praise, it will condition your spirit to remain steadfast in God, allowing that temptation to have no stronghold on you.
3 | Thorn-Filled Soil (Luke 8:7,14)
“And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it.
Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and it brings no fruit to maturity.”
Luke 8:7,14 (NKJV)
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by your responsibilities that it felt as if you were suffocating?
Similarly, the one true seed can be choked out by the busyness of life. Verse 14 gives insight into what these things are: cares, riches, and pleasures.
Cares: These can include your occupation, meetings that take up your mental capacity, or an ongoing to-do list for your home. Cares can be defined as anything that distracts you from investing in advancing God’s kingdom.
Riches: Anytime we pursue a deeper bank account or the latest commercial fads over radical generosity, we are chasing after riches. Matthew 6:33 implores us to seek first the kingdom of God, and everything you need will be provided for you!
Pleasures: God delights when we take pleasure in what He has created. However, when pleasure becomes sin or hold idolship in your life, it is time to reassess. Take inventory of any lust or strong desires that may be preventing you from keeping your attention on God.
Church, our relationship with God is meant to flourish us, both in our hearts and in the maturity of our outward fruit. Be alert to any thorns in your soil.
4 | Good Soil (Luke 8:8,15)
“But others fell on good ground, sprang up and yielded a crop a hundredfold.
But the ones that fell on good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.”
Luke 8:8, 15 (NKJV)
The last three types of soil can hinder your spiritual growth. But there is good news—as a Christ follower, you can have good soil!
Those who encompass a noble heart are those who desire the bare truth of God’s word. They refrain from picking and choosing what feels good and instead apply each and every word (good or bad) to their lives.
Individuals whose soil is good want to please God over the world. They remain alert and proactive in protecting the word that has been instilled within them. And they patiently continue walking with God even when they are walking through hell.
Good soil produces consistency and always produces beautiful fruit.
The Key to Sustained Spiritual Growth
The key to sustained spiritual growth is fostering the right kind of soil within your heart. Remain steadfast in pursuing all things of the Kingdom and reject anything else that impedes that. Cultivate a lifestyle that promotes growth and perseverance, as you choose His everlasting seed, your life-giving fruit will change your life and the lives of those around you!
For more on spiritual growth, check out Pastor John K. Jenkins’ sermon, The Key to Sustained Spiritual Growth.
