Consider How We Grow
Scripture Reading — Luke 12:22-31
Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
My interest and ability in gardening is only mildly remarkable—especially considering I grew up in a family that did not garden. I do remember showing a keen interest in my grandparents’ garden. And one of my first jobs as a bumbling teen was to help my Aunt Helen in her gargantuan garden.
My interest in gardening grew gradually with experience over the years. But I think my interest goes deeper because Jesus, our Creator and Savior, is a most insightful observer of how his creation grows. He uses examples from nature to make important points in his teaching.
As Jesus sits on a mountainside teaching his fickle followers and the distractible crowd, his sharp eyes light on the splendor of nearby wild flowers. Considering them, Jesus makes a stunning comparison that produces a simple and profound life lesson. In God’s garden, fretting and wearisome work are not only unnecessary but are actually a counter-productive insult flung in the face of our caring Creator. If God renders such beauty from nature, will he not care for you?
This month, we’ll follow Jesus’ counsel to “consider” how we grow and are being formed in God’s garden. Although you may not feel at home in an actual garden, the beauty and glory of life have deep roots in our souls, which need to find their home in the Lord.
King of Creation, as I walk with you to consider God’s garden, open my eyes to your abundant blessings of life. Amen.
About the author — Don Byker
Don Byker has been a pastor since 1984 in various churches and institutional settings. Don and his wife, Donna, are the parents of four adult children, two of whom are married. Donna and Don are also the glad grandparents of three granddaughters. Currently Don is serving in a rural church in Michigan full of gardeners.
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