A Spiritual Green Thumb
Do you have “that neighbor” who loves to mow, manicure, and maintain the lawn? There’s something about seeing those straight mow lines, finely edged sidewalks, and pure green sea of rich color on the yard. Maybe you are that neighbor!
For those that have enjoy gardening as a hobby or simply enjoy working outside, this can be a rewarding (or frustrating) time of year! Seeing plants grow from seed to fruit can be super rewarding.
On the other hand, there are those who accidentally kill plants just by looking at them.
It happens. No judgement.
Someone who loves to garden is said to have a “green thumb!” Where did that come from? According to the “Old Farmer’s Almanac,” the origins of that statement come from the fact that algae growing on the outside of earthenware pots will stain a person's thumb (and fingers) if he or she handles enough pots. Hence, a person who is always working with flowerpots has a green thumb.
If a green thumb is the sign of a well-seasoned gardener, what are the signs of a growing Christian?
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
A farmer cannot manage a million individual seeds and plants. Farmers maintain the elements they can control to some degree like soil, water, and providing protection from things like disease, wild life or weeds. They allow the seed to do what only the seed does.
The Christian has elements of free will, obedience, and control that must take place in order to have a healthy relationship with Christ. Just like the seed, we count of the Spirit of God to do only what the Spirit can do.
Common traits for a growing believer are:
Gathering together regularly with other Christians – Hebrews 10:25
Regularly gaining guidance from God’s Word – 2 Timothy 3:16
Be led by the spirit and not your flesh – Galatians 5:16
Love your neighbor like Jesus loved – 1 John 4:17
Faithfully endure suffering – Acts 14:22
You are at peace with others, quick to forgive, and full of mercy – James 3:17
Seeing the fruits of your labor can be energizing, satisfying, and even tasty! Following Christ in deep intimacy, freedom, and purpose is fulfilling as well as eternally rewarding. It was once said, “Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian.”
The outward expression of your faith speaks volumes to the world.
They are listening.
