I live in Indiana, a state with a booming agricultural industry. But I have lived all my life in urban environments until moving here. I know very little about agriculture. But I do know that farmers spend a lot of energy making sure that the soil that they plant in is good soil that will give them a good yield. It takes a lot of work, but it is necessary to be bear the good fruit of their labors.
Luke 8:15 says, “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” The Word of God is the seed within us that leads us to righteous living and bearing fruit in good works. Our responsibility is to faithfully hear and understand God’s Word and then, with a good heart, ask God to apply it in our lives. This process takes patience for us to fully bear much fruit.
Reluctant Retiree 