1 Corinthians 3:8-9: “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field. God’s building.”
This week marked the beginning of the Fall season which is also known as harvest time for farmers in the Midwest. Paul often used agricultural images in his letters. Planting and watering are both needed for crops to grow. Both work towards the same goal. Paul says we are God’s fellow workers as His working partner. A cross-reference is Matthew 16:27: “ For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” That is the day we believers are anxiously looking forward to as we plant and build and apply God’s Word into our lives and into others, and then God gives the growth. We need to be reminded, on this earth, of Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Paul says in 1 Cor. 3:9, “You are God’s field. You are God’s building.” Fields get tilled –soil preparation, then planted, watered, cultivated, weed control measures applied, and then the crop is picked, which is known as harvest time. Farming requires diligence and hard work. Farmers have to depend on God to supply the right amount of rain and the right amount of sunshine to get a plentiful crop. Each year their income is totally dependent on God’s provision. I think they know the power of God’s creation and that it is out of their control because the weather is not always ideal, in a more intimate way, than other forms of making a living.
The human heart is compared to soil and the Word of God to seed in Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23. When we hear and read the Word of God we need to absorb and apply it in our hearts – like watering seeds in the soil in order for them to grow into plants that are strong and will not wilt under adverse conditions.
Buildings get built from a set of blueprints. The foundation is the most critical part of the building because the size, shape, and strength of the building always is determined by its foundation. The strength of the building rests on its foundation. Our foundation is Jesus Christ and nothing else. Both agriculture and architecture have a process of time involving due diligence to come to fruition. Paul’s spiritual gifts involved designing and building spiritual foundations within the lives of the people in the churches in Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece from preaching Christ. He built the groundwork whereas Timothy and Apollos built the churches up from Paul’s foundations. God blessed and gave the increase all due to His grace and power.
Jon Courson has said:
“Feel like you’ve been tilled a bit this week? Don’t be surprised. You’re God’s field.
The good news is that when fields get plowed, it means something excellent is about to be planted.”
Do you feel your life is being turned upside down lately? Has life taken a detour? Don’t give up. Don’t “get weary of doing good.” Your heavenly reward awaits you! Keep looking to the Cross of Jesus Christ and all that He did on your behalf. Jesus’s blood and grace are sufficient. He paid for every sin that bothers us so much. Keep planting and building God’s kingdom for your reward is ahead. Keep glorifying Christ.
Who can you help today not to be discouraged, or show love and compassion to, and motivate by your example, from the lessons God has taught you?
Our reward is waiting for us in Heaven. I need to remember what Jesus has done for me on the cross and is telling me – “Look what I have done for you. If I can die and rise again, I can take care of this for you. You are my field. You are my building, and I am Your cornerstone that squares the building, so it doesn’t fall apart and disintegrate and crumble.”
Listen to Pat Barrett – Build My Life (Lyric Video) (ft. Cory Asbury) – YouTube