Just Like Plants

Christians are just like plants. 

Some thrive, bloom and blossom beautifully, while others shrivel, droop, and dry up.
Yes, Christians are just like plants. 

Some can’t handle the heat, and some can’t even handle the shade.

• When the heat of the trials, set backs, or opposition from others or the enemy comes our way (just as Jesus said it would), we pull back, become fearful, or just stop following Jesus altogether.  Others may experience relative ease and many opportunities and  blessings in their families, health, finances, etc., yet, still do not blossom into reaching their God-given potential amidst God’s protected “shady” place.
• Yes, Christians are just like plants.

Some have drainage issues.

• Some potted plants retain too much water due to poor drainage (mainly this applies to potted plants), and this prevents the plant from thriving or growing to its full potential. (The parallel here is a believer who may be “planted” within a beautiful “pot” of a vibrant, life giving, Bible teaching congregation with a great Pastor.)  Plant containers have a hole at the bottom of the pot for the specific purpose of allowing excess water to drain from the plant.  The plant receives the water needed, and releases the residual.  If there is something blocking this hole, the plant will hold too much water, and the results will be seen (yellow leaves, wilting, and even fungus can set in – yuck!).   Even for plants, unused excess of the vital nourishing element of water is not good.
• Hearing or receiving the Word and its truth, and experiencing the refreshing of God’s presence in weekly worship services (Bible studies, small groups, etc.), is a vital nourishing element for all followers of Christ.  However, if we only become a conduit for receiving the refreshing “water” of God’s Spirit, but never allow any of it to flow out to others, we will never develop into the spiritually mature believers we are called to be.  Hindrances to God’s Spirit flowing through us (hence, “drainage” issues) may be the result of:  1)  never following, applying, or sharing the truths we have learned or heard; or, 2) being too clogged up with unconfessed sin, pride, unforgiveness, selfishness, and not walking in a spirit of love towards everyone.
• Yes, Christians are just like plants.

Some have soil issues.

• A good gardener realizes the soil is crucial.  However, once a plant’s soil becomes so hardened, perhaps from too much time without any water, even when the water is provided, it just rolls right off and cannot even be absorbed due to the dryness or hardness of the soil.
• We have to remain open to receiving the Master Gardener’s touch:  the “fertilizing” truth of God’s Word, and the “watering” of God’s Spirit, and His love and grace.  In the Master Gardener’s hands, we can even grow stronger through gradually becoming adjusted to the sun scorching trials of life.
• We have to guard the soil of our hearts from becoming dried up and hardened
  …through no water of The Spirit, The Word of truth, and worship, or
  …through unforgiveness or offense (which, left undealt with, will lead to a deep root of bitterness).
  Yes, Christians are just like plants.

There is another spiritual parallel to the verse in Ezekiel listed below, but still think the verse is fitting:

“But there was another great eagle with large wings and many feathers; And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him, And stretched its branches toward him,  from the garden terrace where it had been planted, that he might water it. It was planted in good soil by many waters, to bring forth branches, bear fruit, And become a majestic vine.”’ Ezekiel 17:7-8 

…Are your hearts too hard to take it in? (Jesus – see Mark 6:17)

For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.” (Hebrews 3:14-15)

(Read more about the parable of the sower and the Word in Mark 4.  Read more about bitterness in Ephesians 4:31-32 & Hebrews 12:14-15)