The Continual Gardener
It’s almost time to plant. Here in Texas the trees are beginning to leaf out. On my walk the other day I saw sunny, yellow daffodils in a neighbor’s yard. So soon I will be digging in the dirt to add some color to our place.
If you are a gardener, then you know that gardening is not a one-time task. It’s a continual process. First you plant, water, and fertilize. Then you weed and pluck spent blooms. Then you water and fertilize. Then you weed and pluck spent blooms. Then you…
Yes, the plants are growing and blooming. The beds become increasingly beautiful. But the process is never quite complete.
It is the same with our spiritual growth. Even before God saved us, He purposed that we would look like Jesus. When we’re saved the transformation process begins. This is not a one-time event but a continual process.
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2, NLT
Grammatically, “transform” in verse 2 above refers to an ongoing change of condition and form. And while only the Holy Spirit can actually bring spiritual transformation, we must cooperate with Him. For us, it means an ongoing renunciation of the world and its ways and a renewal to God’s thinking and ways.
So, how’s the garden coming? Let’s pick up the spade and the pruning shears, get on our knees and get to work.
Amen.
So true! And just like a well taken care of flower bed, we will also bloom. In time!
Jenny, may we all bloom for His glory!
I love flowers, but I am not a great gardener. I seeded some poppies, but they still didn’t show through the ground.
God’s ‘plucking’ sometimes hurts, but I know it is for my own best.
We are to bloom where we are planted. Sometimes though we wish were not planted in a certain spot, but the Gardner knows exactly where we need to be planted for the full effect of His Garden.
Michelle, wise words! Thanks!