Solomon once passed by the field of a lazy man (Proverbs 24:30-34). The field was overgrown, messy, and full of weeds. The condition of this field taught Solomon the value of diligence and hard work. This lesson can also be applied to a local church. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-7, Paul uses various terms for the church. He describes it as God’s temple, God’s building, and God’s field.

Being good stewards of God’s field begins with planting proper seeds. Consider five seeds that we must sow in the local church family.

The Seed of Truth

  • Paul and Apollos planted and watered the word of God in Corinth (1 Corinthians 3:1-9). Jesus referred to “the seed” as the word of God (Luke 8:11). The word of God is the truth (John 17:17).
  • The Jerusalem church devoted themselves to being grounded in revelation from God given to the apostles (Acts 2:42; 4:4; 5:42; 6:7).
  • It is through the preaching and teaching of Scripture that God converts and draws people unto Himself. If we don’t stay firmly entrenched in the truth, nothing else we do will matter!

The Seed of Unity

  • Unity in a church must be diligently preserved (Ephesians 4:1-3).
  • The Jerusalem church was of “one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32).
  • Unity is attained through humility, patience, tolerance, and agreement on the core aspects of the gospel (Ephesians 4:4-6).
  • Unity among brethren demonstrates the power of the gospel. It testifies to God’s ability to unite believers despite their trivial differences.
  • Unity also helps a church work through its problems and stay together. It helps them stay focused on the work of evangelism and avoid allowing petty issues to divide them.

The Seed of Courage

  • While it can be easy for disciples to cave to fear, God demands that we be courageous (Revelation 2:9-10). Courage requires trust in God and unwillingness to compromise godly values.
  • Courageous followers of Christ don’t run, hide, and avoid standing for what is right in a culture hostile towards their faith.

The Seed of Love

  • Laborers in God’s field must love God and one another (1 John 4:21; John 13:34-35).
  • The lack of love was at the core of many of the problems in Corinth (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). When love is absent, bitterness, anger, jealousy, and pride creep into the church.
  • Love will generate patience, kindness, forgiveness, and humility. It will launch disciples on a rescue mission when they notice their brethren in sin (Galatians 6:1).

The Seed of Zeal

  • Christians full of zeal are passionate about kingdom work (Titus 2:14).
  • Jesus rebuked the brethren in Laodicea for lacking zeal (Revelation 3:19).
  • No disciple should be merely a spiritual spectator. No disciple should be content with where they are already spiritually.
  • Every disciple in the church must be actively doing something for the Lord!

Conclusion:

Are you a worker in God’s field?