Dear Church of the Open Bible,
I have three plants in my office. And I can proudly say they have survived in my office for the past five years! Nobody has ever said that I have a green-thumb, and they’d be right. But I do have a secret, and it’s this: one of my plants talks to me. Now, I realize that if I told you I’m not crazy, that’s exactly what you’d expect a crazy person to say, so I’m not going to say it. Instead, I’ll tell you what I mean.
One of my plants is extremely expressive. I’m sure it has a name (I’d never give it one, that’s just for…), but when it needs water, it droops drastically, like one of my teenagers being told about some additional chores. So, when I come into my office after a full weekend, the only reason I don’t forget to water my plants is that it’s so easy to see their condition through this one plant. It’s easy to see the signs of what is needed.
I’d like to think that I’m getting better at this spiritually as well. My heart is not an enigma. The condition of my soul is becoming more visible. And I’m grateful for that.
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. - Luke 8:15
How is your heart? Is it hard towards others? Does it cave under pressure? Is it easily distracted by other concerns or pleasures? Or is it persistent and patient as it trusts God to bear fruit through obedience to His Word? Let’s trust God to show us the condition of our hearts. And as we see the signs, let’s trust Him to provide what we need for fruitful and healthy hearts.