The Soil of the Heart: A Reflection on Growth and Spiritual Life

Last spring, I undertook a simple lawn project that would teach me an unexpected lesson about spiritual growth. I planted grass seeds in two different areas of my yard. For the first patch, I prepared the ground by adding nutrient-rich topsoil to the naturally lower terrain. For the second, I simply loosened the existing earth and scattered the seeds.

Over the following weeks, I maintained both areas with equal care—watering regularly and watching expectantly for signs of new life. The results, however, were strikingly different. The first section, enriched with additional soil, soon displayed vibrant green shoots pushing through the earth. Week after week, this area flourished with thick, healthy grass. The second patch lagged significantly behind, eventually producing sparse, weaker blades that never quite matched the vitality of their counterparts.

The difference, I realized, lay not in my efforts but in the foundation I had provided. The topsoil's promised nutrients—which I had initially dismissed as marketing claims—had genuinely enhanced the growing conditions. Superior soil had yielded superior results.

This gardening experience brought to mind one of Christ's most enduring parables about seeds and soil found in Matthew 13. Jesus described how the same seeds of divine truth produce vastly different outcomes depending on the condition of the hearts where they're planted. His teachings about abundant life, peace, joy, and love take root and flourish in some lives while struggling to survive in others.

The key factor isn't the quality of the seed—God's truth remains constant and powerful. Rather, it's the receptivity and preparedness of our hearts that determines the harvest. Some believers seem to overflow with the fruits of faith—demonstrating remarkable patience, genuine kindness, unshakeable hope, and deep contentment. Others, though equally sincere in their faith, appear to struggle with anxiety, bitterness, or spiritual stagnation.

What creates this difference? How can we prepare the soil of our hearts to receive the fullness of what God offers?

Cultivating Heart Soil

Just as my lawn benefited from enriched topsoil, our spiritual lives require intentional preparation and ongoing cultivation. Consider these essential nutrients for the soul:

Humility serves as the foundation of all spiritual growth. A humble heart remains teachable, welcoming instruction and correction rather than defensively rejecting them. When we approach life with the understanding that we have much to learn, we position ourselves to receive wisdom from Scripture, from mature believers, and even from difficult circumstances. Pride creates hard, impenetrable soil where truth cannot take root. Humility creates soft, receptive ground where God's word can penetrate deeply.

Confession acts as a cleansing agent, removing the debris that blocks healthy growth. We all stumble and make mistakes—this is part of the human condition. The question isn't whether we'll fail, but how we'll respond to our failures. Denial and rationalization create toxic conditions that poison spiritual growth. Honest confession, however, clears away the obstacles and creates space for grace to work. When we acknowledge our shortcomings before God and others, we experience the liberation of forgiveness and the opportunity for genuine transformation.

Confidence in our identity as God's beloved children provides the stability necessary for sustained growth. This isn't self-confidence based on our own abilities or achievements, but rather a deep assurance rooted in God's love and purposes for our lives. Understanding that we are created in His image, indwelt by His Spirit, and called to reflect His character gives us the courage to pursue growth and the patience to endure the process. This confidence prevents us from being overwhelmed by temporary setbacks or discouraged by slow progress.

The Divine Gardener at Work

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this analogy is recognizing that we're not gardening alone. God Himself serves as the master gardener, working in and through us to produce the fruits of His kingdom. Even the most barren heart can become a flourishing garden under His care.

The question for each of us remains: What kind of soil are we providing for the seeds of God's truth? Are we cultivating hearts that are humble, honest, and confident in His love? Are we creating conditions where His abundant life can take root and flourish?

The difference between spiritual abundance and spiritual struggle often comes down to this fundamental question of soil preparation. With intentional cultivation and God's faithful tending, every heart can become fertile ground for His transforming work.

Solomon: A Lesson in Divine Wisdom

I am currently preaching through the life of Israel’s third king, Solomon. As the primary author of Proverbs, he is perhaps best-known for his insight and wisdom. His acquisition of this wisdom is a fascinating and instructive story.

Near the beginning of his reign, Solomon fell into a deep sleep. In his dream, the Lord appeared with an extraordinary proposition: "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Imagine that moment—a divine blank check, an opportunity to request anything the heart desires.

Many would have seized this chance for personal gain—wealth beyond measure, long life, victory over enemies. Yet Solomon's response revealed his true character. "I am only a little child," he confessed, acknowledging his inadequacy for the task at hand. "Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong"

God was pleased. Not only did He grant Solomon unparalleled wisdom, but He also added what Solomon didn't request—wealth, honor, and the promise of long life if he remained obedient.

This story invites us to honest self-reflection. If God appeared to us tonight with the same offer, what would we ask for? Would our requests reveal hearts aligned with God's purposes or preoccupied with our comfort and advancement?

Solomon understood what many of us miss—that wisdom is the foundation for everything else in life. But how do we acquire such wisdom?

Solomon's story reveals four essential principles. First, we must ask for it deliberately. Wisdom doesn't come accidentally; it must be sought with intention. As James would later write, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault."

Second, we must recognize God as wisdom's generous source. Many mistakenly view God as reluctant to give, but Solomon knew differently. He had witnessed God's kindness to his father David and understood that God delights in giving good gifts to His children. Scripture consistently describes God as a God who wants to give.

Third, we must approach God with humble acknowledgment of our need. Solomon called himself "a little child" despite being a grown man. This childlike humility—this recognition of our limitations—creates the space for wisdom to enter.

Finally, we must value wisdom appropriately. Solomon would later write that wisdom is "more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold... more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her."

In another of his Proverbs Solomon reveals the ultimate source of wisdom, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." True wisdom isn't merely intellectual prowess or practical know-how. It's the alignment of our hearts and minds with God's, allowing His perspective to transform our decisions and actions. When we pursue this kind of wisdom, our lives usher in peace, hope, and joy to both ourselves and to the world around us.

In a culture obsessed with wealth, power, and pleasure, Solomon's choice stands as a timeless reminder of what matters most. Perhaps today, we too need to reconsider what we're asking for.

If you’re not a fan, take off the hat

Spring is here and with spring comes baseball season. Opening day is on the same level as a national holiday for me. From my youth I have been a huge baseball fan, and having grown up near Boston, I have forever been and will forever be a Red Sox fan. Yet living in Texas, I don't have a lot of fellow BoSox fans to celebrate with or commiserate with, but when I do meet one, I sense this instant bond. I love chatting with other like-minded fans, talking about their favorite players, fond memories, and how this season will play out. I'm always on the lookout for someone wearing a Red Sox hat or jersey and initiating a good baseball conversation.

But sometimes it doesn't always work out the way I would hope.

On more than one occasion I have encountered someone wearing Red Sox regalia and begun my spiel only to be interrupted with a response something like this: "Oh, I'm not a Red Sox fan. I just picked up this hat real cheap at a garage sale." As the disappointment sets in, I think to myself, "If you're not a fan, take off the hat!" I don't want to see someone ostensibly being a Red Sox fan and then find them cheering on the Rangers or even worse, the Yankees! In my warped fanatical mind, your clothes should match your heart. What people see and what you really believe ought to match.

That may or may not be true with our sports allegiances, but it is undoubtedly true for those of us who call ourselves Christians. As we wear the name Christian, it is important that our lives validate our conviction. We all know the damage that is done when a spiritual leader is caught in a moral failure. It seems to happen much too often, and when it does, it wreaks havoc to the cause of Christianity. But that's not true only of church leaders. It's true for everyone who bears the name Christian. If you wear the hat, your heart should follow.

The New Testament urges us to live holy and honorable lives, knowing that the strength of our witness is to some degree tied to our behavior. The apostle Peter writes to believers and encourages them to, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (1 Peter 2:12, NIV) Jesus himself tells us to, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, NIV)

As the saying goes, "You may be the only Bible some people will read, you may be the only Jesus some people will see." As disciples of Jesus, we don't just want to speak all the right words (although we do need to verbalize our faith) or wear Christian regalia (and I have a closet full of Christian t-shirts). We want our lives to confirm the message that we serve a holy God that gives true joy, real hope, and abiding peace.

Out of the shade and into the light

It’s been cold outside! Last week I walked into the office and commented that it's not fair that we have to suffer through the hot Texoma summers AND these sub-freezing temperatures. But here in Texas the snow and ice quickly melt away—except not in some places.

On my commute to church there is still a small patch of ice at one particular corner. It's odd that just about everywhere else the snow has seeped into the ground and the patches of ice have been transformed into puddles of water, but not there. And it doesn't take a meteorologist to figure out why. That little used intersection never sees direct sunlight. The trees above block the sun from shining on it and while the ice has melted all around it remains in this small patch of road that never feels the warmth of the sun.

We all go through cold and frigid seasons when our souls grow weary. Storms settle in and our hearts can grow cold. But thanks be to God the sun always comes out to thaw even the most frozen of hearts.

Even so, some remain cold because they never feel the warmth of God’s love. But unlike that shaded intersection we have a choice—a choice to move ourselves into the light and experience the ice-thawing joy of our Creator’s care.

This morning, I pray you feel it. Through our songs may the sunshine of the lyrics and the warmth of the melodies brighten your soul. In our prayers may the words we lift to God melt away doubts and concerns. May the Lord’s Supper chip away the ice of despair that can easily capture our souls. May the word proclaimed be a warm breeze driving away the chill of indifference. May the fellowship of believers defrost the biting cold of loneliness.

Thank you God for this gathering. Melt away the ice in our hearts and lead us into the glorious warmth of your presence.

Two Days After Christmas

It’s two days after Christmas. The celebrations are over. The presents have been put up. Another Christmas in the books. Christmas 2024 will now take its place among all the Christmases passed.

I wonder what Mary was thinking two days after the first Christmas. It’s been quite a ride. How could she possibly have imagined a year ago that she would be a new mother. Let’s recap the last nine months of Mary’s life.

It all started with the appearance of the angel Gabriel who announces to her that even though she was an unmarried virgin she was going to have a child. And not just any child, but the promised Messiah who would save the world from their sins. I can imagine her saying to Gabriel, “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

And then, some time later, Joseph tells pregnant Mary the distressing news that Rome has called for a census and they will have to take an impromptu trip from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem.  I can imagine her saying to Joseph, “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

And then they arrive in Bethlehem and Joseph has some more upsetting news – there is no room in the guest house and they will have to spend the night in the animals’ quarters. I can imagine her saying to Joseph again, “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

And then, perhaps that night, Mary awakes in labor. She rouses Joseph and tells him the baby is coming and he will have to deliver him.  I can imagine Joseph saying to Mary, “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

And then, the baby is born and they finally get him to sleep and, wanting some rest, Mary and Joseph look for a place to lay the infant down and all they can find is a manger, a feeding trough, and they place the baby there. As they lay the baby down, I can imagine Mary muttering under her breathe, “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

Nothing has gone as expected these last nine months and Mary has to be wondering why? But I don’t believe all these surprises were accidents. I believe all these events – the virgin birth, the trip to Bethlehem, the no vacancy sign at the inn, the manger as a crib – all these events were intentional teaching us something about who Jesus is and what kind of kingdom he came to build. Jesus came as a humble king, not as a privileged ruler, to show us how much he loves us and to assure us that we can truly believe that he understands us in all our confusion. He understands us when we have those moments that leave us muttering to him, “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

Haven’t we all asked God that question - “You’ve got to be kidding me?” Haven’t we all wondered why our lives have not played out as we expected? But maybe all those unexpected surprises are not accidents. Maybe they are intentional - teaching us something about who God is. And maybe, just maybe, it’s in those “You’ve got to be kidding me?” moments that we really begin to trust in God.

And I think Mary got that. And I can imagine two days after that first Christmas her looking down in that manger at the sleeping Messiah and being in awe that God loves us so much that he came as a humble baby. And I can hear her in her amazement whispering, “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

I’m not kidding you. God became man in the person of Jesus to save us from our sins and one day by faith we will be able to thank him face to face. And on that day we will be awed by his love and overwhelmed at the eternal glorious home he has prepared for us. And in our amazement we will say, “You’ve got to be kidding me?"

Smart Phone Theology

Smart phones are really smart. Even smarter than I know. I use my phone for so much more than calling and texting but it’s not uncommon for me to learn new features and abilities my phone has that I previously had never known. Over the years I’ve learned that my phone is a compass, can take video screen shots, can tell me my geographical location and altitude, can scan documents, is a flashlight, is a voice recorder, and so much more. If you only use your phone to call and text hand it over to a teenager and let them loose. They’ll show you things your smart phone can do that will blow your mind. For most of us, we barely tap into the capabilities of this technology.

The same can be said of our smart televisions, our tablets, and even our automobiles. There is so much potential that is never realized. If this is true of our technology maybe it’s true of our spiritual lives as well.  I suspect it is.

I hear Christians say that there are some things they simply cannot do. “I’m an angry person,” someone might say to defend their outbursts of rage.  Or “I guess I’ll always struggle with lust,” someone might say resigning themselves to never overcoming that sin. Or “I’m too shy to talk to someone about my faith,” someone might say to excuse themselves of any attempt of evangelizing. Or “I could never teach a class or lead a small group,” someone might say to rationalize declining every request from a church leader.  And the list goes on.

And I know this to be true because I have done the same thing. We are all guilty of underestimating what the Spirit of God can do in our lives. We may not be gifted in every area but we limit ourselves so much by refusing to believe in the transforming power of the Gospel. Many Christians are like smart phone owners who only use their phones as phones. There is so much wasted potential.

I know there are Scriptures that can be abused and misunderstood, so read these verses and discuss them with other spiritual people, but hear these and start to imagine how much untapped potential there is in you as a Spirit-filled child of God:

• Philippians 4:13 (NIV) — I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
• Ephesians 3:20–21 (NIV) — Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
• 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) — And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) — No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

The Bible is full of reminders that with God on our side we can do so much more than we think we can do. The Bible also tells us so many stories of people who were unqualified and outmatched but did amazing things for the Lord.

There is so much potential in you, in all of us, that is never realized. For most of us, we barely tap into the power of God within us!

Mirror, Mirror

You probably at some time today have looked in a mirror. They’re helpful little devices, aren’t they?

I can think of two reasons why we use them. One is to admire ourselves. This may seem a little vain but haven’t we all stopped and caught a reflection of ourselves and felt pretty good. We go along our merry way ready to face the world.

A second reason is to see if there are any adjustments we need to make. Our hair may be out of place. An article of clothing may need to be straightened out. We may have something in our teeth that needs to be removed. We more or less inspect ourselves prepared to make any changes to look the best we can.

Mirrors can help us see things that we can’t see without them.

I’m preaching through a little letter in the New Testament attributed to James, the brother of Jesus. One of his goals in writing this letter is to help followers of Jesus be the best they can be. And that entails being willing and even eager to see things about themselves that they are not able to see on their own. Things that need to be adjusted.  He uses a mirror to make his point. Here’s what he says:

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:23–25, CSB)

James seems to be saying that God’s Word, what we call the Bible, acts like a mirror. It can help us see things about ourselves that we can’t see on our own.

Sometimes we read the Bible and come away feeling pretty good about ourselves. We’ve been loving and kind. We’ve been strong in resisting temptation. We go along our merry way ready to face the world.

But other times (and I find this much more common) we read the Bible and we see some things about ourselves that are not very attractive. We haven’t loved others as we should. We haven’t responded to needs. We’ve been weak and given in to more temptations than we have resisted.  We see things that need to be adjusted.

This second scenario is the one James is apparently concerned about. And his concern is that we do indeed see those things that need to be changed but as soon as we put down the Bible we forget! We walk away with our hair still disheveled, our clothes still out of order, and big pieces of food still in our teeth.

James refers to this person as a hearer but not a doer. And hearing without doing really has no value for James.

Are you a hearer and a doer? Are you listening to the Word of God and eager to respond? Or do you sit through sermons, Bible classes, and devotional readings only just to put them aside and walk away without any thought about how to respond?   Are you willing to see yourself for who you really are and ready to make changes?

I don’t know of many days I haven’t looked in a mirror. And, more often than not, I find myself making some type of change. Shouldn’t the same be true with the Bible? It’s a clear mirror than can help us be the people we want to be.

If you haven’t already today, you ought to pick one up and take a look. It’s a helpful little device