We’re familiar with the parable of the sower, who went out into the field and cast his seeds. Some went onto rocky ground, some went onto shallow ground, and some sank into deep, rich soil. The seeds were all identical – they all contained the same life element within them. The difference between whether they sprang forth or withered away – indeed, if they sprouted at all – was found in the place where they landed.
The seed is symbolic of the Gospel of Christ. Missionaries are out there right now, spreading that seed far and wide. We help to spread it with our examples and our teachings. The prophet sends down seeds from the pulpit. Soon, that seed will have been cast to every corner of the earth, as the gospel is allowed into more countries. The day will come when every man, woman and child will have the opportunity to hear the gospel message for themselves.
But then they have to decide what to do with it. Will they refuse to listen, and be like the stony ground where the seed wasn’t able to take root? Will they listen, and go along for a short time only to wither away, like the shallow ground? Or will the seeds fall into hearts that have been prepared and are soft, like rich, fertile soil?
Most importantly, how do we personally receive the seeds that are cast our way? When we attend church, do we listen with a heart eager to hear, or are we counting the minutes until we can leave? Do we listen to General Conference with the intent of learning something new, or do we think of it as a really good excuse to sleep in? Although we are members already, our responsibility to keep learning about the gospel hasn’t ended. We have just as much need to study and to deepen our roots as does a new convert.
Let’s all take a look at our own seeds of faith and nurture them, cultivate them and yes, even dung them with our overcome trials, so those seeds of faith might grow up into trees of knowledge.
Related Blogs:
Gospel Doctrine: The Parable of the Sower
Gospel Doctrine: Physical and Spiritual Blindness
Where Are Your Seeds Being Sown?