From Seed to Fruit: A Christian’s Spiritual Journey

Our Christian Journey by Cynthia Greene

As Spring begins in this part of the world we see the trees budding out and the flowers starting to bloom.  Thoughts turn to the gardening season that lies ahead.  The Christian journey is one of growth, transformation and ultimately becoming part of God’s family.  We can see the analogy between our Christian spiritual journey and the cycle of plants.

We read in Isaiah 61:11:

 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up, So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise, to spring up before all the nations.  

The Seed

Only seeds planted in fertile soil will grow and flourish.  The Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 says:

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. ⁹ Whoever has ears, let them hear (Matt. 13:3-9).

In this Parable Jesus explains that although many are called, not all will heed the call. 

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

When God calls us we have to respond. Each day we must actively seek to hear God’s voice, respond to his calling, and choose to obey and follow His Word.  Otherwise, like in the Parable of the Sower, it will be like seed that fell into rocky so places and did not take root. 

Sprout to Seedling

As a seed sprouts and turns into a seedling it requires water and nourishment.  At baptism we are given the Holy Spirit and as we grow and overcome the fruits of the Holy Spirit will grow in our lives.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

In the book of Ezekiel we read that God likens his people to a tree planted in good soil. 

It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.” (Ezekiel 17:8). 

Growth

At the beginning of our calling we are fed the milk of the Word:

…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:2-3).

However, our goal should be to grow and mature in our understanding of God’s truth and to seek a deeper love of His word.  We read:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  We have to take the time to listen and hear God’s voice. (John 10:27)

 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Blossom & Fruit-Bearing

In Genesis 3:8 we read that Adam and Eve walked in the garden with God. The Christian Hymn “In the Garden” includes the lyrics:  “And He walks with me, And He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own”.  Time spent with God develops a deeper connection and allows time for us to listen to His voice. We too can walk with God through prayer and meditation.  Think of these lyrics next time you spend time with God.  

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

Harvest

The final stage of growth in a garden is harvest time.  As Christians we seek a spiritual harvest.

Matthew 13:30, ”…the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.”

Revelation 14:15, “And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come ^[a]for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe”.

Our Christian journey begins as a seed of faith and ends with the harvest to eternal life.  Through each stage we can trust in God’s guidance and protection.  We can be confident that as we obey God’s Word and remain faithful to Him, He who started a good work in us will complete it.

…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

What an exciting future lies ahead for us to serve as sons and daughters in God’s family, to be called songs and daughters of the Almighty God.  

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

Psalm 92:13 says: “Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” 

Lyrics:  In the Garden

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear
Falling on my ear
The song of God discloses

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am his own
And the joy we share
As we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound
Of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody
That He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am his own
And the joy we share
As we tarry there
None other has ever known

And the joy we share
As we tarry there
None other has ever known