Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Tri Robinson's new book, Rooted in Good Soil: Cultivating and Sustaining Authentic Discipleship, (Baker Books, 2010). Jesus told a parable about a farmer who sowed plant seeds in the ground, and the story represented how people can grow spiritually. Some seed was picked away (like people picked off by evil lies), some seed didn't take root because it was planted in poor quality soil (like people who allow life's cares and troubles to distract them from making it their top priority to pursue God), and some seed couldn't grow because it got choked out by weeds (like people who allow the world's values to choke out biblical values in their lives).
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Only the seed that fell on good soil grew to maturity - capable of bearing a harvest that could reproduce itself, like spiritually mature Christians who can lead others to relationships with Jesus.
Don't be someone who believes in Jesus, yet isn't staying close enough to Him to grow. Root yourself in good spiritual soil so you can grow to become the person God intends you to be. Here's how:
Let yourself be cultivated and broken. God's truth won't take root in your soul unless you open yourself up to face the brokenness in your life and let it lead you to genuine repentance. By confessing your sins and turning away from them, you invite God to cultivate your soul so faith can grow there.
Don't avoid the compost of your life. The suffering you naturally encounter in this fallen world is like the messy compost of animal waste, rotted garbage, and microorganisms that fertilize soil for plants to grow. Rather than trying to escape suffering, recognize that it accelerates your spiritual growth, and ask God to show you everything He wants you to learn from it. Remember God's promises that He will use all situations - even the worst circumstances - to accomplish good purposes in your life if you trust Him. When you encounter suffering, open yourself up to receive God's love in the midst of it, and invite God to use it to the fullest to help you grow.
