The Faith Code: 14 Day DevotionalSample

The Growth Imperative

The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. (Mark 4:26-29) Many are fascinated by Jesus for the miracles and healings He performed, and with good reason. But in this central passage and others, Jesus repeatedly likens all He brings to teach people—not to hearty, full-grown plants, but to seeds. Why is growth such a consistent theme in the teachings of Jesus?

To love as God has called us to love, it is best to have a growth mindset rather than a fixed one. God is developmental. Most of what He does is not cataclysmic, but gradual. Lasting good takes time to create, and the predominant law of God’s kingdom is gradual growth through one good endeavor at a time. It demands faith and patience, for it is through “faith and patience that we inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12) Jesus reminds us that there are principles of growth that pertain to living a flourishing life—principles of growth we should be listening for and pursuing—and we sow them one word or action at a time.

Prayer

Thank you Father, that being a part of Your kingdom means we are encouraged to grow—however small, however incremental that growth might be. We ask for Your tender mercy and loving support as we seek to be sowers in Your name. And may the seed of Your kingdom grow deep roots within us, our homes, our communities, and our world.