Planting And Watering Seeds | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | May 31, 2023

Planting And Watering Seeds | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | May 31, 2023

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. Now the one planting and the one watering are one in purpose, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 

If the Gospel is a “seed,” some will receive it and some will reject it (we know this from the Parable of The Sower — Mark 4:1-20). For those who receive it, the seed will hopefully grow over time. But the return and the increase seen are not something we have control over. Indeed, we are tasked with the humble privilege of presenting Christ — in any and all circumstances. The saving is not done by us but by the Holy Spirit. He speaks through us and moves through us. As Paul mentions, the one planting the seed and the one watering are not to take responsibility for what the Lord alone can do; namely saving and sanctifying.

As important as planting the seed is walking alongside a new believer or convert in Christ. Discipleship is a big word that we sometimes trip up on. In a way, it is intentional mentoring of another person in the faith. One-on-one discipleship is a way that we can “water the seed” and help to foster its growth…again, this is all from the Lord. But we are commanded to do this. Our neglect of effective and continual discipleship has led to a generation of believers stunted in their growth and still consuming milk when they should be eating solid foods. Brothers and sisters, keep planting and watering! On this side of eternity, those things never cease.

Question for today: Where or when have you seen discipleship done effectively?

Pray: Lord I pray for discipleship to happen within the local church in such a way that those who hear the word and respond are led to completely follow You Jesus.

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