Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
One of the greatest commodities that is missing today is perseverance, the ability to stick with a course of action through the difficulties. We see it in many athletes, willing to train continually to be at the top of their game. Think about Tom Brady as an example. He continues to excel well past the usual age for someone in his profession.
But perseverance is something we all desperately need. Difficulties are coming, they always do, but we must be ready to stick with our God given course of action through to the end. Without perseverance, we fizzle out, like a damp firecracker, unable to fulfill its purpose.
Jesus has shared the famous story about seed sown on different soils. Only the final soil comes to fruition. The other soils might have a flurry of growth, but they don’t accomplish their designed purpose. They don’t bear grain. And without grain, wheat is just pretty grass.
So what is the difference between this person and the other people who heard the word? All had the same seed, the same word presented to them. So why did this person have such a large crop, a fruitful life, a productive ministry?
Our text says that they have a “noble and good” heart. These two words means essentially the same thing. Something about the quality of their heart, their inner being, made the difference. They held onto the message even from the start, so it didn’t disappear before it even sprouted.
They provided an environment where the needed elements, moisture, were available. Think of moisture as the holding environment for growth. Those who grow in Christ need a community, a few fellow believers to keep them moist in the faith until roots can grow. Otherwise the heat of the spiritual desert of this world will dry them out completely.
They also had the ability to keep focus. Unlike the seed sown among the weed, they were able to shed elements of their life that could choke out the growth. They went “all in” soon enough in the process to keep their spiritual growth central to their current moments. They choked the weeds of life in order to feed their spiritual life.
But the real difference was their ability to persevere. This means putting your shoulder to the pressure coming against you and using every fiber of your being to push through. And this is not an easy task. The more you are connected to others in this journey of faith the easier it is. We are not alone.
But it still requires that you push through. You can’t let the depressions and disappointments of life stop you. You must push through these seasons in life. And no one can do this for you. You must do the pushing.
So, are you ready to put on your football gear and press against the training sled? Are you ready to push that sled through to the goal line? It is going to be difficult. People in the stands will say it can’t be done, and they might pack up their things and head home before the practice is completed.
But those on the field with you, the members of the Body of Christ, will be pushing the sled and cheering you on. Don’t give up. Jesus Himself is right next to you.
The Arnold Journey 