Introduction: Look back on your life for a moment. We are all on a spiritual journey. Some are further along than others. Where are you?
Who has our Lord used to help you get to where you are today? Maybe it was a friend who shared with you about the love of Jesus Christ. Perhaps it was a family member. By the way, can your growth in Christ be connected to a local church? A Sunday School teacher? A minister? A youth teacher?
Honestly, all of us have had people pour into our lives to help get us where we are right now — like the turtle on the fence post.
The process our Lord uses can be explained in the pages of the Bible. Writing to the church of Corinth, Paul points to this very thing. Please notice the progression:
1. Paul PLANTED! (1 Cor. 3:6) – “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
The Word of God is like a seed when it is planted. No seeds = no growth. Multiple seeds = much growth. Are you sowing the seed? Broadcast it everywhere you go. Be deliberate. Be intentional. After sowing or planting comes the watering.
2. Apollos WATERED! (1 Cor. 3:6) – “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
Give clarity and understanding to the Bible with the goal of applying the Word. That is watering. And when that is done, Jesus will give the increase! Do you have someone you are mentoring?
3. God gives the INCREASE! (1 Cor. 3:7) – “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
This is key! Without the breath of heaven, there would be no life. Unless the Holy Spirit of God imparts resurrection power, all is vain. After all, as Zechariah said, “It is not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit…”
4. Go PLANT and WATER! (1 Cor. 3:9) – “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”
Rewards go along with labor. Did you notice? I love the way the apostle, under the inspiration of the Spirit, unified our work under God’s initiative and direction. Imagine that! The Creator of this vast universe uses His creation to accomplish His will. What a privilege!
Conclusion: Anyone who decides to grow a garden fully understands that in order to produce results it requires planting, watering, and overseeing.
So what is your personal conclusion about this devotion? Where are you in this process? Do you need to plant? Water? If so, please remember God has to give the increase!
Thank you, Lord!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
