I planted the tomatoes from seed because I was hungry. I could not wait until that juicy fruit was hanging on the vines. I impatiently longed to slice that tomato, smell the grilled burgers and take that first delicious bite. So, I bought the little seedlings some food to hurry things along. The tomato food was intended for mature plants but I simply could not wait. When the tiny plants broke through the soil, I buried them in plant food. They all died.
I sowed new grass in the poor, poor soil in my back yard. I did give them a little water, but I wanted that grass to grow on its own. So, I waited and stared menacingly at that grass willing it to grow and thrive, but I did very little to help it grow. It too died.
Then my wife planted grass, in the same place and on the same soil. She watered it every day, usually when I was in the shower. She lovingly nurtured that grass every day. Now, it is healthy and mature and ready for additional fertilizer. The moral of the story is: I have two green thumbs, but they both belong to my wife.
How do we grow in grace? How do we nurture godliness? How do we grow the garden of our souls? Should we bury it in fertilizer long before its time? Should we water it, but only a little and expect it to grow on its own? Who is the real gardener anyway; is it God or is it me? Yes. We plant and we water but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Do you bury your heart in soul food, but only once a week? Do you come to worship but steer clear of any soul-nurturing activity 6 1/2 days a week? There is some truth to the Cherokee legend of two wolves within every human heart. One is good, and one is evil. “But Grandfather,” the child asks, “which one will win?” “Whichever one you feed.”
There is good seed available, plenty of good soil, the powerful rays of the sun, and an abundance of refreshing water. We call them the means of grace – the Word, the sacraments, prayer, and fellowship. Be there. Soak them in. Really be there, and your soul will grow.