Producing A Crop

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.  Luke 8:15

            While I don’t usually begin my blog with scripture, this morning’s verse seemed appropriate during reflection!  Sometimes I wonder about the last three words in this scripture: “produce a crop.”  When I hear the word “crop,” I picture a farm garden with baskets of tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, green beans or hot peppers!  

            These kinds of crops are not unfamiliar to gardeners.  Agriculture has been a staple of country sides across the US since it became a nation—and even before! The country’s development was shaped by settlers who came here to start new lives and produce enough food for their families.  

          The abundance also proved to be a source of income.  They understood growing extra food and selling it was the best way for access to cash needed to buy supplies they could not grow.  On a larger scale, commercially, cotton, wheat, corn, wood, beef cattle, hogs, and tobacco became principal cash crops.  Clearly, Americans understood….and understand the value of producing crops!        

As I look at the verse from a Biblical perspective it causes me to ask, “What crop am I producing?”  Of course, I run the silly, like beans, corn or wheat, but what can people see in me?- --- “What is my crop?”  In what ways am I fruitful?  Even the dictionary fails me: “harvested grain, fruit etc.; cultivated produce while growing.”  Yet God’s word says we are to be fruitful; to produce a crop.

            My thoughts revolve around those things I can do, although at different levels of proficiency.  I may sing in the shower, but for many years declined singing in the choir (although I have done a little of that—but would not for a moment be willing to sing outside a group effort).  My idea of good art work is a successful round circle and stick people.  My athleticism consists of walking, and the list of “non-professionalisms” is huge!  Yet God did give me some valuable gifts.  He gave me the gift of laughter and a pretty good dose of patience.  I’m a decent listener and I have the power, through the Holy Spirit, to pray for others; and He blessed me with the gift of writing.

            In a round about way, I must admit, then, I do produce a crop of “something.” It may not bring worldwide fame or millions of dollars, but if in my work (writing), laughter, patience, listening skills and prayer, I can help make a positive difference in a single person’s life toward a life of Christ, I’ve produced a worthwhile crop.

            I encourage you to reflect on your gifts; write them down if that would help.  Recognize the wealth of crops you have to offer.  Whatever you can do, with whatever gifts God has given, when done for God’s glory, is producing a crop!  And I believe that’s what God really wants.  He wants us to take the gifts he gave us, however small and insignificant they may seem to be, and share them with others.