The Sower & The Seed: part 3

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root....¹⁶Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. ¹⁷But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. (Mark 4:5-6, 16-17)

As we continue to share The Message, broadly casting the seeds of God's grace to all who will listen, we will encounter people who will receive it with much excitement. Of course, this lifts our spirits as we see fruit for our labor. For a time, these new people are with us in church and it is a really good feeling knowing they are with us because of our talking with them.

Then suddenly, one Sunday morning, we notice that they are not there. The next Sunday, they are not around either. Oddly enough, we cannot find them anywhere. They don't answer their telephone or respond to our emails. It is as if they have vanished.

This is going to happen with a certain percentage of people. Trouble comes... life gets difficult... and instead of pressing into God, they fall away. What are we to do? According to this parable, we are to continue sowing our good seed. The seed is good. The farmer is doing the right thing. Don't take it personally when people fall away. It's not you... and it certainly isn't the seed.