Let Your Good Grow

Jesus taught about the farmer who scattered seeds:

“Seeds that fall along a footpath represent those who hear God’s message, but choose not to apply what they hear.

“Seeds that fall on rocky soil represent those who joyfully hear the message, but become disengaged before deep roots grow.

“Seeds that fall among thorns represent those who hear, but become absorbed by life’s cares and riches.

“And seeds that fall on good soil represent those who are honest and kindhearted, who hear and honor God’s word to patiently grow a great harvest.”

From Luke 8:11-15

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• In this passage from “The Parable of the Sower,” by the Gospel Writer Called Luke, Jesus teaches that some seeds grow well. Some scatter in the wind. Some never take root. And some, though they begin growing, never fully mature.
• Jesus shares this parable with his first-century followers because many of them appreciate his agrarian references. As the best farmers know, you can’t force crops to grow by desire alone. You must let the crops grow by nurturing their inherent nature.
• Jesus is a mystic, master teacher, healer, and wayshower for multitudes because he fully embodies and radiates his absolute divinity.He knows his divine heritage and demonstrates his ability to grow as the Christ, the greatest expression of his perfect soul self.
• Metaphysician and Unity Co-Founder Myrtle Fillmore taught that “when you desire with all your heart to live the life God has planned for [you], the life that is revealed in your indwelling Christ mind, you will find old beliefs and habits crumbling, and you will . . . build a new faith.” As she explained, what matters most for your soul growth is “your willingness to come into spiritual consciousness and to develop and use your Christ power.”
• Understanding is your greatest spiritual tool for soul growth. First, you choose to understand yourself as a divine spiritual being with a radiant soul, living in a divine body temple, having human experiences. This awareness helps you know what inspires you.  It also prevents you from trying to change others.  You recognize them as spiritual beings having their own human experiences, however problematic or perfect they may appear.  As many behavioral economists and mental health professionals teach, some people’s motivations are irrational; they may berate or diminish others because they haven’t recognized their own Christ power and radiant soul.
• Demonstration is your evidence of how well your life works. With self-reflection and understanding, you choose to grow your soul in your own best ways. You listen to your intuition (the still, small voice within) so you know which seeds to plant.  You cultivate your own consciousness and let others cultivate theirs.

Contemplation Questions:

As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:

• What am I ready to stop doing?
  • List, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.

• What distracts me from projects I started and still want to complete?
  • List, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.

• What currently inspires my greatest soul growth?
  • List, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.

• What are at least three (3) ways I choose to let my good grow?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.

Use this devotional anytime to nurture your soul growth.  Remember that life can be cyclical and seasonal.  So, notice what you no longer need to do, such as completing homework every night because you’re now a college graduate.  Treat yourself gently, with lovingkindness, as you grow in understanding.  Tune into your intuition so you’re open to vast choices.  Hold loosely to specific timetables and when everything will unfold.  Remember that “how” is God’s job, not yours.  Be willing, as Myrtle Fillmore advised, to keep growing, and prepare for your own bountiful harvest.

© 2024 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.

Photo from Shutterstock by Romolo Tavani.