DIE TO SELF TO PRODUCE SEED
DIE TO SELF TO PRODUCE SEED
Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. —John 12:24-26
God’s creation design is a marvel. Seeds from a flower, fruit or vegetable put on a shelf will do nothing. But a single seed put into the ground can perpetuate a marvelous multitude after itself. I always marvel at this when growing plants of how a single seed can create hundreds of seeds in the life that grows from it.
So it is with us as followers of Jesus. When we serve Jesus by dying to self and sow seeds in the lives of people, the possibility of much fruit to follow is astounding. Just think of our own lives. The seed of God’s Word was planted and watered in our lives and that Word brought about new life in us. Consider how much of the seed of God’s Word you have sown since you trusted Jesus? Wow… the possibilities of an enormous harvest is exciting as we serve the Lord Jesus.
God’s Word was sown in our lives; we die to a self-centered life and grow in being a Christ-centered life. As we serve Jesus we plant the seed of God’s Word. Some people respond to the message sown in their lives. Then as they experience new life in Jesus they in turn die to a self-centered life, serve Jesus in planting the seed of God’s Word and other people respond to the seed sown in their lives. And so it will be to the end of this age (Matthew 28:19-20).
But, unless we die to self the seed of God’s Word that impacted our lives will not be sown in the lives of others. So let us die to self, serve Jesus, sow His seed and see our Savior seek sinners through us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZlIVP9u0Y
Dear Father please help me to die to self daily and be available to sow Your Word regularly as I walk through life. You have called me to sow and water. I expect You will cause the seed to grow as only You can. May I be faithful in my responsibility trusting You to cause the seed to change the lives of people as You bring them new life in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.