Planting and Praying

Here is something that I have noticed: Christians and other church people fall into two categories. Some of them are always planting seeds. They have taken the words of Jesus very seriously. They are scattering seeds everywhere. They give to good causes. They live a godly life as an example to others. They use Christian products, read Christian books and listen Christian music. They serve in social ministry agencies such as food banks, crisis pregnancy centers and clothing distribution locations. These people are building relationships with men and women who do not know Jesus.

There is another category of Christians; those who spend their time praying. They have also taken Jesus' words very seriously. They pray about everything. They pray that people will come to know Jesus and that more people will become evangelists. These Christians read about prayer. They sing about prayer. They pray, pray, pray.

But both groups have some serious problems. To begin with, the planters have no follow-through. They plant seeds everywhere they go, but they often neglect the important tasks of cultivating, weeding, feeding and reaping. Those who plant often have an attitude that hopes someone else will come along and do those other important tasks.

In addition, planters often feel so good about their sowing that they neglect prayer. It is easy to get so caught up in the busyness of going, and doing, and sharing, and caring that the important spiritual issues get taken for granted. Planters, the active people in the church, need to be sure to be consistent in follow through, and to keep on track spiritually.

On the other hand, the people who pray too often do nothing else. They tend to spiritualize every issue and every part of life. Prayer becomes an end for them. These pray-ers love the time they spend with Jesus, but sometimes at the expense of doing what Jesus commands. You remember the expression, "He is so heavenly minded he is no earthly good." That expression was about this group of people.

Not only that, but people who focus so much on prayer often have a problem with perceptions that others have about them. Here it is in brutally honest terms: Sometimes very spiritual people seem weird. Christians are even put off by these spiritual 'giants' sometimes.

Here is my suggestion. Planters need to realize that there is more to evangelization than throwing out some seed and hoping for the best. There is some hard spiritual work involved. Pray-ers need to know that they also have a responsibility to do some of the day to day work of planting. A good solution might be for planters and pray-ers to form a partnership. By working together the best of both tendencies can be brought to bear on the weaknesses of each.

Our final admonition: Plant the seeds and pray for the soil.