Living in the Spirit

July 15, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ –Matthew 13:18-23

This is a very important scripture for those dedicated to building Christ’s beloved community. I grew up on a farm, and anybody in my family would assure you that I am not a gardener. My mother and my sister were both born to plant and harvest. That said, I very much appreciated the fruits and vegetables of their labor. I see pictures of people tossing seeds across the land and do not recall at all my mother planting in that manner. Preparing the soil before planting was a very important task. Forming a community requires getting to know one another and learning to love one another for who we are and who we are becoming. We are not called to shape people in our image. All are made in the image of God and, therefore, come equipped with the skills and talents God created within each of us. The Beloved Community works to make the very most of what God has provided for us. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:5-6 puts it this way:: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.

Just think, if everyone had the opportunity to optimize their God-given abilities, what a wonderful world it would be.

Prayer: Lord, guide us in building the Beloved Community. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.