Only God Causes Growth

~~~ 1 Cor 3: 1-9 ~~~ Psalm 33 ~~~Luke 4: 38-44 ~~~

 

Paul is explaining to the Corinthians that he must talk

to them as physical beings.

He cannot speak to their spiritual personhood.

Paul and Jesus draw from the known physical world to give as examples.

They use those things with which the people are familiar.

Here he uses the analogy of plant life.

 

"Therefore, neither the one who plants

nor the one who waters is anything,
but only God, who causes the growth.
He who plants and he who waters are one...
...For we are God's co-workers..."

 

No matter if we are the person who plants the seed or

the one who waters what has previously been planted;

we cannot take the credit.

One without the other is nothing.

If we nurture and care for what has been planted in the hearts

of our family, neighbors, and friends

we are co-workers with God.

 

It is only through the grace of God that any growth takes place.

If seeds are left in the package they certainly cannot grow.

If seeds are planted and forgotten...not watered;

 they will soon die from the stressed conditions.

I witnessed in the last year how weakened the plants have become

due to the extended drought in our area.

 

In reflecting on our spiritual growth

if we have no seeds to plant there is no need to water.

But more importantly what will God be able to grow?

We do not need to wait for someone else to bring the seeds to us.

There is no need to wait for someone else to plant the seeds for us.

We do have the resources to gather our own seeds.

We do have the resources to water our own seeds.

 

The question here is, do we take the initiative?

It is important that we take the responsibility

because then we will be open to the available seeds.

If we take the action we will be paying attention to our spiritual needs.

 

It is not necessary that you know what seeds you are going to plant.

When you are sitting in a restaurant looking over the menu

you know you will be eating something.

 

Many times I have witnessed seeds available for the taking

during retreats, days of reflection, and parish missions.

There are also seeds hidden inside of scripture verses

and well written books.

 

Who knows there may even be seeds right here on this blog.

 

We can make the choice to ignore these seeds.

We can make the choice to accept the seeds and plant them into our heart.

We can chose to plant the seeds and let them rot.

We can plant the seeds and water them.

We can water these seeds through deeper study, time in silence,

prayer and discussions with others.

 

Jesus became human, but he was also filled with the seeds

from his heavenly Father.

He prayed, taught, healed and scattered his seeds of love

everywhere he walked.

He scattered his seeds of mercy to each person he healed.

 

 

When we are aware of how God is causing growth within us 

we should thank him and praise him.

For whatever God is causing to grow in our hearts

we can then

pass on to others.

"...From heaven the LORD looks down;
he sees all mankind."

Thus we become partners with him

scattering his seeds of love, care, compassion, and mercy.

"...I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,
because for this purpose I have been sent."

Lord, show me how to gather your seeds today.

Surprise me with where you have planted your seeds.