In my bible study class a while ago, we studied the Parable of the Sower in Matthew chapter 3. I’ve always thought the story spoke about four different types of followers of God, or Christians. This was the first time I was given a new perspective that provided an alternative understanding of the story. The parable speaks of a man who goes to plant seeds on his farm. The seeds planted fall on different soils and so all grow (or fail to grow) differently.

Seed 1

The first set of seeds are scattered on the soil, and end up by the roadside where birds plucked and devoured them. In explaining this group, Jesus says this refers to the guy who hears the word of God but it doesn’t really have any presence or impact in his life; it gets snatched away by the devil, by their sins, by the person’s own lacklustre attitude to spiritual things.

Seed 2

These seeds fell on rocky ground and despite that, grew really quickly. However, despite the initial rapid growth burst, the seeds died just as quickly because they weren’t planted on anything, on solid substance. As you might suspect, this refers to the person who hears the word of God and is initially very excited; it sounds like a promising message, good news and she definitely wants to try this out. Originally committed, her enthusiasm drives her passion but passion without substance must die. She would like to live right but doesn’t really have the strength of character, focus , real understanding gained from personal dedication to seeking God or solidness of faith, so she sort of blows along with every transient trend that’s in. She has no real sense of herself so it’s easy to convince her to follow whatever’s hot at the moment.

Seed 3

The third is the seed that fell amongst thorns. Ouch. This is the Christian who hears the word and really wants to practice it but this life is too real, yo!!! Between sin and stress, hustle for money and the reality of Lagos life, he can’t sustain this Christianity thing. His heart really thirsts for God BUT he doesn’t have the time/strength/committment/[fill in the gap], to do this ‘Jesus thing’.

Seed 4

The 4th and final is the seed that fell unto good soil, it hung on to the soil, developed deep roots with patience and consistent nourishment and eventually bore fruits in a hundred fold. This is the Christian who receives the word of God, latches on to it hands and toes, allows it take deep, real roots in his life and bears fruit. The fruit I figure means blooming, spreading and multilying through reaching out and touching the lives of others.

SO, I always thought these were 4 distinct types of people trying to be Christians and always tried to figure out which one I was every time I read the story. I actually realise now, that these might simply be FOUR different phases in ONE Christian’s life. Christianity is a journey. We are working everyday to be the people God made us to be. You might start your journey as Christian 2 detailed in the parable. Along the line, you may backslide, fall and fail to Christian 3 or whatever way(2-0, 3-1, 1-3 etc). You are still on a journey. You’re not out of the game until the referee blows that whistle and as God is referring this match; I am not giving up until the Fat Lady sings…oh and there is no singing allowed in this stadium! 🙂

Every single day is another day to stand and fight; for your sanity, your peace of mind, your wholeness, your faith, your purity, your choice to live sin-free. It is possible and it is doable.

Photo from the ever-excellent: http://www.aphrochic.blogspot.com