Hey Brother,
It’s fall already. Can you believe it? That means it’s harvest time. For most of us that just means pumpkin spice is in our coffee, scones, and pretty much everything else. But for a farmer it means so much more. It’s time for them to literally see the fruits of their hard labor. They can have great joy in a successful harvest because of the great amount of work they’ve done.
I have never worked on a farm, but I do have an herb garden. It’s not much – mint, thyme, basil, etc., but I started the herb garden from seeds in an egg carton. I know it’s ridiculous for me to compare my herb garden to a farmer’s harvest, but I got a lot of joy seeing those little sprouts spring up, watching as they grew leaves, and smelling the fresh herbs as I used them in my recipes. I can only imagine what a farmer feels working day in and day out.
As Christians, we are part of God’s spiritual harvest. He uses us in various ways to sow the seeds of the Gospel. This could be through outright evangelism, praying for people, or simply showing Christ’s love to our neighbors and the community around us.
It’s funny. I was given the herb garden as a gift but let the seeds sit on my dresser for months. I liked the idea of having fresh herbs but kept putting it off because I kept focusing on the work involved. Which, let’s be honest, was almost no work at all. The amount of joy I get from the herb garden is much greater than the amount of work I put into it.
Brother, do we do the same thing when it comes to spreading the Good News of Jesus? Do we focus on the work that needs to be done rather than the joy that could come out of it? Let’s be honest, the work we do participating in a person’s path to salvation is nothing compared to the work Jesus did. He paid it all. We get to share the Good News!
Brother, “let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). Don’t focus on the work; focus on the joy. Let’s be excited to sow the seed of the Gospel so we can take joy in the harvest of our Lord!
-Kristopher Galuska
Family Radio Staff