I recently read a surprising and encouraging report from a professor who referenced an influential talk he heard while a student on a summer mission in 1997. I served as the Bible teacher on that mission in Hungary and spoke numerous times, so it’s quite likely I gave that particular message (I really cannot remember). Regardless, myself and others cultivated the faith of this academic, a few of many who did so along the way.

When you think about your life of faith, who planted the seeds? Who watered the tender shoots? Who are those tending your garden today?

In a discussion with church members in Corinth, Paul reminded them that it really doesn’t matter who plants or waters, because God provides the growth:

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 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. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Just like this professor, I received the seed of faith from someone before me and benefited from faithful watering. Of course, others worked before them, all the way back to Jesus our Lord. A cornucopia of growth extending back generations.

Enjoy those who plant and water in your life. Thank them of their hard work, then pass the favor on to others. Finally, always remember that God causes the growth, whether we hear about it in this life or not.

1 Corinthians 3 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jonathan Kemper