As many of you have seen, I am selling shirts to fundraise for The World Race. Getting this shirt in the hands of many, many people will be a huge part of me getting fully funded, but that is not the reason for this blog post. I want to share my vision behind this concept, and hopefully encourage someone today!
Pictured above is the amazing design that www.fundthenations.com came up with after they heard my heart behind this concept. I want to share a little bit more of my heart with you all about why I am so passionate about this message.
Scatter seeds.
What does that mean to you? There is probably a couple ways you could take this concept.
It could literally mean scattering and sprouting vegetation like Genesis 1:11 says: “And God said, ‘“Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so.”‘
Or in Mark 4:26-29, where it talks about the Parable of the Seed Growing. It gives us a beautiful description of the growth of a simple seed into a ripe grain that can be harvested. To me, the process of growth, from something small to a beautiful sprout, is what we should crave for ourselves; but for others as well.
But why care about planting a seed?
Does it really have to be you that plants a seed?
The answer is yes. Absolutely, positively, yes. YES, I AM TALKING DIRECTLY TO YOU. As Believers, we are called to The Great Commission. Jesus says in Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the On and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of age.”‘
We are called to make disciples of ALL nations. But, in order to do that we must plant the seed in solid soil. Being intentional in every aspect is key. To me, this means maybe going at this in a little bit of a non-traditional way. Let me tell you why: people don’t want to be preached at, they want to feel known and loved.
Let me tell you all a personal story of someone who planted a seed in my heart by getting to know me and made sure I knew I was precious in not only Jesus’ eyes, but her eyes as well.
Christina Lee, the first person and one of the most important people I met when I moved to Rockwall, TX the summer before my 7th grade year.
Not knowing anyone, our family went to a local church to try and acclimate ourselves to our new town. The Lord is so good in the fact that we did not have to church hop at all. We got to start investing our time and relationships right away into the church my family has called home for 10 years now!
Like I alluded to in my “About me” blog post, I was not the stereotypical almost seventh grader. I didn’t dress like them, I wasn’t the same size as them (height or weight), I didn’t know their specific lingo or jokes, I really didn’t know anything. SO, automatically I felt as though I was at a disadvantage. Trying so hard to make friends, because I had none, I probably came off as over zealous.
I think Christina noticed my desperate desire to connect with just one person. She was that perfect person to meet first. She was my small group leader the first night I went to Lake Pointe. Quite honestly, I do not remember what was said during group that night, however I remember vividly the conversation we had after. She wanted to get to know me, and I remember thinking how much she cared, and found instant trust and honesty from her. She planted a seed in my heart that night. She made me feel heard, loved, valued, and known. Christina helped me understand that I was not in this world alone; that I had a God that loved every part of me. That He created me in my mothers womb (Ps 139:13), that He intricately formed me and cares so much for me that He knows the number of hairs on my head (Matt. 10:30). THAT I AM LOVED even when people were mean and said hurtful things to and about me. Christina embodies the fruits of the Spirit, and it was evident that she had a relationship with Jesus. I was curious on how to be like her, and from that moment on the seed started to take root and grow.
I think Christina knew how important it was to plant seeds in other peoples hearts. Even if she did not directly see the harvest of her investments. She knew that taking the extra time, effort, love, and good listening skills would make an Eternal difference.
So, whatever facet that means to you: whether that is loving someone exactly where they are at, being kind in all circumstances, or listening without expectation. Doing the extra and intentional things to make sure people know they are heard and loved is important. Please, DO IT. I plead with you.
We live in a dark and fallen world, but by Christ’s sacrifice, we still get to have a relationship with Him. We GET TO DO THIS. Jesus never said the narrow path with Him would be easy, He actually said in Matthew 7:14 that “…the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” But just think how it will all be WORTH when we are standing in front of the Father on Judgement day and He says, “well done, my good and faithful servant“. Think about that moment and know how important it to love others well.
Our mission should be to bring as many people to Heaven with us as possible. In order to do that, we must first plant the seed. Understand that every seed might look different, and to know that is okay. Trust that God will do the rest!
Encouragement and take aways:
Love people like Jesus loves us.
Take the time to be intentional with yourself + others.
Know that all seeds look different, but they all need to be planted somewhere.
Know you are precious to The Lord and me.
Much love,
HIGBEE OUT
