Proverbs 20:4: “Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.”
Growth takes work.
Have you ever grown a plant before? It takes a shocking amount of effort and attention! Even without tending to an entire field that requires plowing like Solomon is referring to, potted plants take some serious work. The first herb garden I ever planted was a complete failure. Most of the seeds didn’t sprout, and the few that did died soon after. I did some post-plant plague research and realized I had been a super-lazy herb gardener. Those little seeds were supposed to be soaked in water before I planted them, given the perfect soil, placed in very specific locations according to sun exposure, and transplanted into new soil at the perfect amount of time after sprouting. Honestly, I didn’t do any of that. So what’s in my caprese salad now? Store bought basil.
Cultivating your own growth takes intentional effort, too. Maybe you’ve desired to grow in faith for a while now, but your life still looks the same as it did last year. Take the next step and start working towards growing your relationship with Jesus! Pray every day. Read the Bible. Go to church and youth group. Get plugged into a small group. Whatever step you take, Jesus will meet you there. Start intentionally investing into your relationship with Jesus, and your life will look more faithful, more hopeful, and more loving at this time next year.
Are you putting real effort into growing your relationship with Jesus?