FRIDAY: GOD GROWS IT
KEY PASSAGE
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
DEVOTIONAL
Parents receive a lot of unsolicited advice. Some of it helpful, most of it not. But the most common and most helpful advice said to me was this: “It takes a village!” It’s true about raising kids and supporting parents. You cannot do it alone.
This is also true about bringing people to Jesus and making disciples— it takes a village!
Paul (who wrote the key passage), was working tirelessly to bring the gospel forward. So was Apollos, another believer. People in the church felt obligated to pick one apostle to follow and listen to— either Paul or Apollos. But Paul calls this unnecessary, as their purpose is one and the same— share the gospel and make disciples. He is saying, “It takes a village!”
You have no control over how many believers interact with someone who needs Jesus. But you can control how you interact with that person. It takes many encounters with many faithful and loving believers to make the decision to come to Jesus. Your faithful and loving interaction matters. The Kingdom needs YOU in the village, spreading the gospel and making disciples.
But, the work of the village is not only done by believers. God Himself works in the village. Paul says: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow… only God, who makes things grow.” This beautiful reminder provides both purpose and protection.
Your purpose is to play your part. The seed isn’t planted or watered without you. The village isn’t as good, effective, or efficient without you in it.
Your protection is that the growing of root and fruit is not your responsibility. Only God causes seeds to take root and bear fruit. The creation and effectiveness of other believers is not on you. The success of the village is not on your shoulders.
CHALLENGE
Take a moment to sit with God and reflect on the following questions:
Are you participating in the village? Are you sharing the gospel? Do you love others well?
Are you discouraged about seeds you have planted and watered? Are you not seeing growth? Are you carrying the weight of their salvation? Be honest with God about how you feel being a part of the village— the Church, the larger body of believers. Ask Him to reveal what He sees in you and what He is doing in the lives of those you are trying to reach.