I would never claim to have a green thumb. Over the years, I’ve bought plants with the best of intentions to see them flourish. If a friend brings me a potted plant as a gift, I read the instructions and gently proceed with care. But my efforts always seem to produce the same result … quick death to the plant! It has become a household mantra.

Why can’t I keep a simple little plant alive? Truth be told, I have no skill in this area. Experience, yes—if you count all the times I tried—but skill? Expertise? Sadly, no.

 

I can’t seem to figure out if I’m overwatering, or not watering enough. How can you tell if that little plant needs feeding, if it’s getting enough sunlight or too much? These are things an experienced horticulturalist knows. They understand the basic needs of all plants, and also the unique characteristics of individual plants and what causes them to thrive and grow.

If I’m ever going to learn how to nurture my houseplants, I need a green thumb enthusiast to come alongside and show me how it’s done! Someone with skill and experience in what works, and what doesn’t.

 

Contemplating this has me thinking about our Christian witness.

As believers, how are we to live in this dying world? Are we to go through life like an inexperienced gardener not knowing how to disciple or be discipled?

Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us that we are salt and light in this world. We were called out of darkness to proclaim the praises of the One who brought us into His glorious light.

 

The Master Gardener

Our Father in heaven is the Master Gardener, the Creator of all things. We are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) and He planted you and me where we are for a purpose.

He wants us to be imitators of His Son, Jesus (Ephesians 5:1-2) to walk in love and blossom in a way that represents the attributes of who HE is in us. That’s what being salt and light is.

We put aside the works of darkness (sexual immorality, quarreling, jealousy to name a few) and clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, not thinking about how to gratify the desires of the flesh (Romans 13:12-14). As we follow Him, living with integrity, we are a guiding light for others.

 

Friends let’s live according to His Word! Just as a plant needs regular care and feeding, spending time in the Word and prayer and worship is essential to a dynamic relationship with Jesus. Keeping in fellowship with likeminded believers builds community.

Are we getting the picture?

 

Our Father is the ultimate horticulturalist!  He knows exactly what we need to grow and thrive, and He provides it all. We are created for good works, to bring Him glory and point others to Christ. It is by His Holy Spirit, at work within us, that allows us to live in a dying world.

God has chosen you and called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Now be set apart and truly live for Christ in this dying world!

 

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what it good. – Titus 2:11-14