Upward and Outward: Evidences Of Growth

Where The Parable stops...
Life Lessons From A Seed Part 2 of 3

Upward and Outward: Evidences Of Growth

In my previous blog titled "Perseverance: Barreling Through The Opposition" I discussed the various resistances and potential setbacks that a seed must overcome to become a fruitful plant. As Christians, we too face trials that we must persevere through and overcome if we are to fulfill God's design; which is to bring Him glory by bearing fruit {John 15:8}. To mature and bear fruit there must be growth.
As a seedling sprouts forth from its hidden beginning, its growth reaches the visible realm. Now its life and growth are apparent to all who behold it. Similarly, once the Word of God has been birthed within one's heart, the new life that a Christian experiences cannot be hidden; for like the newly emerged seedling, the Christian's changed life will be visible evidence to all that the Word of God has taken root within his/her heart.
Not only does the freshly sprouted seedling reach upward in its growth, but its roots also venture deeper- grasping the soil around and giving a firm footing for the seedling as it matures into a plant and stretches toward its source of strength- the sun. Likewise, the Christian must dig deeper into God's Word grasping its meaning and discerning God's Will for himself/herself in order to sustain his/her continued growth as he/she looks to the source of his/her strength and guidance- the Son.
The plant's growth will be evidenced not only by its upward growth, but also by its outward growth. As the plant sprouts upward, it will also branch outward. This branching outward is necessary for the plant to eventually bear fruit. The Christian also will branch out as he/she grows in the grace and knowledge of Christ {2 Peter 3:18} and reaches out to as many as are within reach spreading the Good News of salvation through Jesus.
In conclusion, a healthy plant will be evidenced by its upward, deeper, and outward growth. Likewise, the change that has taken place within a Christian's life will become more and more visible as he/she seeks guidance from above, endeavors to dig deeper into God's Word for stability and strength, and reaches out to others spreading the message that is able to create new life as seeds are planted in the hearts of others.