How Healthy Is Your Soil?

Our lives can be likened to a tender plant. What conditions do we need to have for optimum results?

It’s that long-anticipated time for all who like to plunge both hands into the earth and plant something! Those of us who like to garden enjoy the feel of the soil between our fingers, of planting things that are alive and full of potential and of caring for them in the hopes of reaping both beautiful and edible results!

While giving our backyard flowerbed some new life this year, I had to contend with a problem I never encountered before. Where we live, hard, clay-ridden soil has been a familiar foe; but as a new homeowner, unfamiliar with what had previously existed, I wasn’t prepared for the large root system intertwined throughout the garden area.

As I looked all around, it made perfect sense—a large tree a couple of yards to my left, creeping juniper ground cover sprawling down the hill in front of me and a lavish bed of ivy to my right. I knew these young plants weren’t going to have a chance unless I broke up that root network—and what a chore that was!

It seems as though there is always something to learn spiritually while gardening. Focusing on our own lives, in order for God’s Spirit to grow in us, our “soil” must also have the proper conditions for growth. The stony places and hardened parts of our hearts must be changed to malleable, workable soil (Ezekiel 11:19).

In addition, the root system of our previous lives must also be removed. The constant threat of the thorns of the cares of this life must be repelled daily in order to bear both quality and an abundance of fruit (Matthew 13:22-23).

Root removal

A young plant’s future depends on hard work and constant care to remove the elements that could stunt its development. Likewise, we must work diligently to put off the deeply rooted network of the old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires that are the cause of sin.

Paul encouraged the brethren in Philippi to follow his example and forget what is behind and reach forward toward the things that are ahead (Philippians 3:13). The roots of our former lives and the tendencies of our human nature cannot be allowed to regenerate. Otherwise, the new growth will be overtaken and crowded out.

Yes, it’s difficult, but we know that we can come before God with anything and ask Him to renew the strength of His Spirit within us daily. Thankfully, the hard work won’t be on our own resources. It is only with God and His help that this is possible. Unconditionally surrendering himself to God, David wrote in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Thorn control

Every day is a struggle against distraction and preoccupation. Our most skilled and cunning enemy would like nothing more than for those of us striving to follow God’s way to get distracted and drawn away from the opportunity for eternal life! Our goal must be the Kingdom of God and the fortification of that goal by constant daily contact with God through prayer and Bible study.

Think deeply about who God is, His plan for humanity and the incredible reality He has in store for us. Use occasional fasting to stay close to Him and maintain a humble, teachable attitude.

Our eternal life clearly does not lie in a phone app, a social network, a television or even an occupation. We must work diligently to make sure none of these physical things become thorns that gradually wrap around us and choke out our opportunity for life forever in God’s family.

Yes, it takes hard work, but what a reward it is to see the fruits of your labor! And gardening is pretty terrific too!

Interested in learning more about ways to grow closer to God? Check out prayer, Bible study, fasting and meditation in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Rebekah Leyden is a wife, mother and garden dabbler who hopes to see and learn from the lessons in life’s experiences!