There has been a great change in the way many foreign workers and missionaries bring relief
to hungry and poor nations around the world. Instead of giving a loaf of bread that will feed a family for one day,
bags of seed and tools for gardening are distributed, along with knowledge and skills in farming. Now families can plant
gardens and fields, raising enough food for many meals, as well as producing seed for more crops. It
is a simple change, but one that brings hope and true transformation. But what about the spiritually hungry
and poor?
Does this same concept apply?
Recently I have noticed more and more hummingbirds in my flower garden. I thought they
would only fly in and move on since I don't have the hummingbird feeders which are so popular. But instead they come
back again and again, satisfied with the vast selection of flowers. As I watched this,
the Spirit began to show me an analogy with the Body.
It has become quite popular to "hang out feeders" in our churches - choosing programs and music
and speakers and even architecture to draw in the crowds. And it works. There are huge, mega-churches in most
every city.
But when many of these people go home, they feel the necessity to always go back to the church
building - the feeder - to eat. The church leadership works hard all week filling the feeder full of food that
looks appetizing so that those who come in will eat.
Contrast this "bird feeder mentality" to growing a flower bed which will produce perpetual
food, year after year, as well as seed for more plants. What if, instead of
always trying to figure out how to improve the program, the music, the building - the "feeder" - we would spend our time on
improving the dry, rocky, thorny ground of people's hearts and planting seeds of God's Word? (Luke
8:4-15)
This means spending time with people outside the church walls - building relationships,
breaking down barriers, helping dig up stones and pull weeds from hurting hearts. Preparing
the ground takes time, energy, and perseverance. But then comes the joy of planting the awesome, powerful seeds of God's
Word and watching it grow into life-giving, food-producing plants which will feed not only the one in whom they grow, but
all whom they come in contact with.
No longer will they be looking constantly to others to be fed, but instead will feast on
God's faithfulness within themselves.
Look around. Do you see the hungry and poor? Love them into becoming a
fertile place, ready for the planting of His Word, and watch the Kingdom of God spring up around you!
Amy
