Today’s Word from Deacon Amy…
“Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13:8
As I was walking through the courtyard on Wednesday afternoon, getting everything set up for youth group that evening, I spotted a lovely, delicate flower sprouting from a crack between the concrete sections. Some tenacious little seed had found the tiniest bit of soil in which to take root.
Often times in ministry, especially when working with children and youth, we say that we’re “sowing seeds.” With Matthew 13 in mind, our hope is that if we keep broadcasting seeds, some of them will take root and grow strong and healthy.
We don’t see the same number of youth or families participating in worship or Sunday School as there have been in past generations. The church, as a whole, has seen a decline in attendance over several decades now.
It’s easy to get discouraged. But we need to remember what Jesus told us about sowing seeds. Not all of them will grow… but some will.
My first years here, I would take 10-12 middle school kids to camp in Idaho. This summer, I took 6. It was a smaller group, but we had a great time. I often wonder, though, if these trips to camp do anything to build the faith of these kids, or if it’s just a fun experience for them?
A couple of weeks after our return this year, I received this text message from one of the students: “Thanks for showing me Luke 14:11. I like it a lot.”
While at camp, we were talking about how we can help to change the world, bringing it back to what God had intended. The theme for our second day at camp was Inclusion. This was one of our key verses for the day.
John 14:11 says, “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
We discussed the idea that by intentionally including those who are often rejected, we can bring about the change that God longs for. By putting others before ourselves, we are paving the way for change.
Honestly, I didn’t know if this lesson sunk in at all while we were at camp. To hear from this student, weeks later, that they were still ruminating on that verse, and that our conversation had an impact on their life, was a wonderful reminder for me. A reminder that sometimes the seeds that we cast do take root.
Ministry is like that. We sow seeds. Some land in the rocks and don’t grow. Some land on the path and get quickly devoured by birds. But some seeds land in just the right spot and take root. Sometimes a little kernel of Biblical wisdom sinks in.
I recently sat with another student who was frustrated with the very vocal hypocrisy of some people who call themselves Christians. This student wanted to know why people would speak out against others, spouting judgment and exclusion, when Jesus clearly showed a love for everyone. Jesus taught us to include all people, to care for all people, and to love all people. Why, then, are some who claim to follow Christ so quick to spew negative messages about anyone? What about the love of Jesus?
Again, these were things that had been discussed in Confirmation classes several years ago. Yet, the messages stuck. This student heard the word of Jesus and it took root and sprouted in her heart.
We may not have the same numbers of people coming to church. Our classrooms and faith formation programs may not be as full or robust as they once were, but the seeds that we are sowing are still taking root.
I urge you to continue to sow seeds of faith in your own lives. All Christians are called to proclaim the Gospel message, the Good News of Christ. Sow the seeds, spread the love of Christ, share the message in all that you say and do.
With hope and love,
Deacon Amy
