While studying the parables of Christ this week in Matthew 13 and Luke 8 & 13, I learned that, although there is normally one intended interpretation of a parable, there may be many lessons and truths that we can learn from each of the parables. The parable I studied the most this week was the parable of the sower. Joseph Smith taught that Christ used the parable of the sower to teach about the gathering of Israel (New Testament Student Manual). As I studied this parable, the Spirit taught me that one of the lessons we can learn from this parable is the difference between having a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and being converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It wasn't until recently that I started to understand that there is a difference between having a testimony of Jesus Christ and being converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. One of my first visiting teaching assignments in a family ward was to a less active sister. I remember walking into her home and being a little shocked that most of her living room decorations showcased her knowledge of the restored gospel. I was so confused. Why would she have sayings on her wall like "Christ is the Center of our Home" and yet not seem to care about many of the other things we're asked to do as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Years later I now realize that this sister had a testimony of the gospel, but she had not yet been converted.
Elder Bednar has said: "knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel." (Converted Unto the Lord)
As I thought about this, the parable of the sower had a new lesson for me to see…
The seeds that fell on the rocky soil and the soil with thorns are like people that have heard the gospel, received a testimony of the gospel, but have not properly taken of their testimony so it doesn’t grow deep enough roots to keep it strong. (Matt 8:20-22). Elder Bednar said that "testimony alone is not and will not be enough to protect us in the latter-day storm of darkness and evil in which we are living. Testimony is important and necessary but not sufficient to provide the spiritual strength and protection we need." (Converted Unto the Lord)
The seeds that fell on good ground also heard and received a testimony of the gospel, but they became fruitful because of their conversion to the gospel. They understood the word and gave proper nourishment to the seed so that it could grow roots deep enough to bring forth fruit. (Matt 8:23) Elder Bednar stated that "the powerful combination of both testimony and conversion unto the Lord produce(s) firmness and steadfastness and provide(s) spiritual protection." (Converted Unto the Lord)
How do we grow the deep roots needed to become converted? Elder Bednar offered this analogy: “drip irrigation...is used in many gardens and in agricultural areas throughout the world...With drip irrigation, applications of water are more focused and more frequent than with the other methods. The steady drips of water sink deep into the ground and provide a high moisture level in the soil wherein plants can flourish. In like manner, if you and I are focused and frequent in receiving consistent drops of spiritual nourishment, then gospel roots can sink deep into our soul, can become firmly established and grounded, and can produce extraordinary and delicious fruit...The spiritual pattern of small and simple things bringing forth great things produces firmness and steadfastness, deepening devotion, and more complete conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.” (By Small and Simple Things are Great Things brought to Pass)
Having a testimony alone won't be enough to keep us strong through life's challenges. In the parable, the scorching sun (Matt 13:6) represents tribulation and persecution (Matt 8:21). In order to have the scorching sun benefit our seeds of faith, we have to grow deep roots of conversion. We have to nourish that testimony every day with the little things like prayer, scripture study, service, faith and repentance. As we do these small things, our roots will reach deep into the soil where they will find living water that will provide the strength and nourishment they need in order to benefit (and not be damaged) from the rays of the sun.
No comments:
Post a Comment