“The rocky soil represents those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But like young plants in such soil, their roots don’t go very deep. At first they get along fine, but they wilt as soon as they have problems or are persecuted because they believe the word.”
Why don’t their roots go very deep? Plants can’t grow if their roots can’t get to where there is water. People do not grow either if they don’t get the proper nutrients. Young Christians are like young plants. They are vulnerable and need people around them who can help them get grounded. Helping new Christians get connected to other believers is a very important way to help them get their roots deep in good soil. This can be done informally by just hanging out, or more formally by getting the new believer plugged into a small group. At C3 Church, our Connect Groups are one of the best ways available to become the person God has called you to be.
Another way that people can get grounded, is by consistently spending time in the Word of God. This is one of the most important things that any Christian can do. New believers, especially, need the foundation that the Bible provides. Regular time in the Word will help ensure that their heart stays soft and does not become the “rocky soil” that Jesus described. Proverbs talks about the importance of letting God’s words, “penetrate deep into your heart.” The result is, “they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.
What are some other things that we can do to prevent our roots from getting tangled up in rocky soil?
David and Annie are serving the Lord in the US, Africa, India, and in South America. They are helping plant churches and train leaders. You can be a part of what they are doing. Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much!