Such a glorious time of year; plants of all types growing and blooming all around. Across the road from our house in the farmer’s field, some kind of golden grain waves in the wind. Don’t you love seeing a fresh new plant burst forth out of the soil? It’s a miracle, and I’ve never met a person who didn’t enjoy the process of planting a seed and watching it grow. It’s a good time to pause and consider this question: “In order for these plants to grow and bloom or bear fruit, what has to happen first?” Think about something Jesus said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a kernel of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24)

In order for a seed to do anything useful, and fulfill God’s plan, what must happen first? It must be buried in the ground, in darkness and solitude, and die. Hardly seems to go along with the picture of a vibrant young plant growing and becoming beautiful, strong, and fruitful! But this is the principle God has built into creation. Out of death comes life.

Dying to myself. Sacrificing my good for the good of others. “My life for yours,” as Elisabeth Elliot often said. Life from death. This is God’s way.

The way of this world? “You only live once. It’s your life. If you aren’t happy and fulfilled, move on. If you don’t look out for your own happiness, nobody else will. Have it your way!” These philosophies permeate our entire culture today. Not only that, they also rise up within each one of us, out of the sinful heart of man.

As followers of Christ, we are called to die to our own image, our comfort and our preferences. “And he said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

How can we put this into practice today?♥