There are many factors that influence the yield of a crop. There are big factors and little factors. We can influence these factors to varying degrees. Experienced farmers know how to prioritize their time and resources. A few years ago, without much knowledge, I finally got the courage to break ground for a community garden at Ranch Hope. For help, I sought the advice of Dr. Veg to get things started. As an answer to prayer, he not only provided consultation, he also volunteered many hours on site to make the vision become a reality.
Dr. Veg, A.K.A. Steve Garrison, spent his career with Rutgers University studying how to improve the yield of different crops without jeopardizing taste and nutrition. Initially, I thought his mere presence would guarantee lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, and watermelons for everyone. After our first meeting, Steve helped me quickly realize that success could not be guaranteed, only encouraged.
I was caught off guard by his first two questions: “Have you done a soil test?” and “How will you prevent pest damage?” To Steve, it was premature and foolish to think about putting seeds into the ground before establishing the right setting for them to grow. As Thomas A. Kempis stated, “The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid.” Expecting a seed to produce a bountiful harvest without preparing and protecting the soil will lead to either great disappointment or greatly lowered expectations. This is also the case if we expect a great harvest when sharing truthful words with those we have not first loved.
Just as scattering seed is easier than preparing soil, sharing the truth is easier than loving people. With little encouragement, we will gladly choose to “scatter seed” among the heathen, leaving the result to God, over the work it takes to love the heathen. The cutting of corners leads to assumptions to justify the outcome such as, “No one wants to hear God’s word anymore” or “Only God can change the heart”. Hopeful expectations wane. I am reminded of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13. Maybe our eloquent presentation of truth sounds like a resounding gong because we have not love. Maybe this is the reason for gaining nothing.
To be jointly yoked with Christ is to make every effort to fertilize the soil with love before planting. James tells us that “wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Simply stated, connection comes before correction. Justification before sanctification. We were saved because He loved us while we were still sinners. In light of this, may we remember the words of our Lord: “As I have loved you, you must also love one another.” Jesus seeks to win our heart by first demonstrating His love to us. This is the secret of the harvest. To be involved in the harvest we must love. This is easier said than done.
Jesus has reclaimed us by associating with us. He ate dinner with the “sinner”. He crossed cultural, racial, political, and societal boundaries for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Are we willing to lay down our selfish ambition to prepare the soil? He redeemed us by sacrificing His life for us. Are we willing to sacrifice what is ours to prepare the soil? He was long-suffering and patient as He remained with people through the renewal process after they struggled to maintain their commitment to Him. Are we willing to endure to prepare the soil? Like the keeper of the vineyard in Luke 13:8, may our request be for more time to work the soil, more time to demonstrate His love. His harvest results from a labor of love for God and others. May the Spirit of God make us able.
—Roger Garrison
