LESSONS FROM A FARMER…

7. The Second Plough

We are studying in Matthew 13, the parable of the sower. We are learning that if he expects to reap a harvest, the sower needs to prepare both himself and the soil. We’ve determined that there are two ploughs needed for breaking up hard ground; the first plough is prayer. Today we will begin discussing the second plough.

The second plough we need for breaking up hard ground, also can be found throughout the New Testament, but perhaps you have not learned how to use this plough like you may have prayer.  To begin let me ask; What is the absolute greatest commandment?… & the 2nd greatest?

In Matthew 22:23 we learn that to Love God, is the greatest commandment and the second is like it, to Love your neighbor. In addition, how does Jesus tell us that non-believers will know we are His followers?
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35

So how do you love someone else? With words? John exhorts us:
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 
The Living Bible clarifies,
Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. 1 John 3:18

The point is clear. Love is an action.  Love is not simply words. A suitor may tell us they love us, a thousand times a day, but if his/her actions don’t reflect that, will you believe them?

In Luke 7, John the Baptist’s disciples ask Jesus, are you the Messiah or should we look for another? How does Jesus reply?  Tell John the great sermons you hear me preach? Remind John of the dove descending? Or does he point out to them how well He knows Scripture? No!  Jesus says, Tell John what you see me doing.  Love requires action. People don’t believe words. Very few people are argued or talked into the Kingdom. Hearing is interesting, seeing is convincing.

Plough #2: LOVE

If we are going to use this plough of Love, we need to be in on-going relationships with people so that they can see us. And people not only need to see God’s love; they need to experience it. They need to touch it, taste it, smell it, feel it. How are you loving your neighbors? Your co-workers?

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.