“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6
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What does it mean to be a teammate? An excellent team player looks outside himself or herself and gives pointers to others on how to perform at a high level and how to overcome the challenges of competition. If a wide receiver teaches all the receivers, tight ends and running backs how to catch the ball with their hands and not let it bounce off their shoulder pads, then the team has more completions. The outstanding teammate has planted seeds for the fruits of victory.
When Jesus called the 12 disciples, He intended to reproduce Himself in them. While Jesus walked this earth, He was in one place at a time. After three years, the seed of the Gospel grew in the hearts and minds of 11 of those disciples through Jesus’ example and encouragement. Those selfish men became humble servants and fearless messengers. As more people scattered the seed of the Gospel, it was like Jesus Himself going into many places at once.
Soon, many churches were established, as the early Christians followed the principles of multiplication. Ministers and laypeople shared the Gospel message in so many locations that God’s spiritual orchard exploded in growth. “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (Acts 8:4). It’s not easy to plant the seed of the Gospel, but the apostles and their helpers kept on sharing in spite of obstacles and opposition. “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
As we see many churches shrinking and downsizing today, this development happened partly because we are relying on the paid ministers rather than joining them in the work. If we all plant seeds consistently, as fellow workers in God’s field, then we will see God multiply our efforts. “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
If we want to see fruit, seeds must be planted in the garden of peoples’ hearts. Let us join together in planting seeds of the Gospel today.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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