My mom is big on taking care of her plants. My sister and I... um... not so much. Though I love to look at lush, well kept, nourished plants, I have zero interest in making them look that way. A few months ago I was guest speaker at a local primary school. As a token of their gratitude they presented me with a lovely potted plant... poor plant (I'm guessing it's still alive because my apartment complex has a grounds' man and the plant's been outside since I had got home that afternoon). Sadly, until I began writing this piece I had not given it a second thought. There are two other plants on the porch that I occasionally water; and though I have often promised myself that I will be better at tending to these plants there is no real interest (thank God for the grounds' man - I sometimes see the soil around those porch plants wet). If my plants could be nurtured by my good intentions I would not have a problem, action however is what is required.
I unequivocally hold to the view that spiritual lives are like plants. Christians who are like my porch plants are not systematically watered. They get a bit when/if they attend weekly church services, or if some passerby shares a word with them. They nevertheless struggle to survive because no real care is given to them; and though they are not exactly wilting, their potential is not maximised and they lack the luster and strength that proper nutrition would give. The ones like my mother's plants that are watered daily and given plant food, have their leaves frequently wiped to get rid of dust, are talked to and re potted depending on their needs, experience a communion with God that can only be shared by those who are willing to delve into their Bibles, pray, meditate and allow God to speak to them.
I am by no means even suggesting that such persons have perfect lives because that is impossible in this realm. I am however pointing out the measure of spiritual success that is translated to their physical lives as they respond to distressing situations in a manner that confuses most onlookers. I have looked at many Christians whom I admire not because they are popular and loudly display what is generally thought to be the righteous way of living. On the contrary, it is often their quiet fortitude that encourages me. This is not obtained by haphazard watering but through frequent, deliberate and meaningful time in study and prayer.
In highlighting how important our private time with God is, one of my pastors referenced St. Mark 4:34, showing that it was during the private times with His disciples that Jesus unveiled much of His teachings. Only those who were with Him in private were privy to the meanings of what He said. A two hour church service (even if one attends all four that are customarily held by most churches) cannot sufficiently meet ones need and that's a fact!
I've learnt that I cannot apply my physical gardening techniques to my spiritual life, not if I want to be lush and beautiful.
Real talk D!!! :)
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