When people accept Jesus Christ into their lives, they are expected to grow in faith. But why can't some believers do so?
Pastor Joel Osteen from Lakewood Church wrote on his blog that Christians are like seeds, and they need the proper foundation and environment in order to flourish in their walk with God.
"Sometimes we wonder why we're not seeing growth, why we're not seeing favor in our life. Check your soil," he said. "In Matthew 13, Jesus told a parable about a man who sowed seed on good ground and it flourished, producing great crops. But some of the seed fell on rocky ground, and lacking soil and deep roots its plants withered. Other seed fell among the weeds and thorns, and its plants were choked from growing. All the seed was the same quality; what made the difference was the soil."
Osteen added that Christians are filled with gifts, talents and potential. But if they plant themselves in unhealthy soil - such as hanging out with the wrong crowd, doing shady business, or taking up wrong education - they will either remain stagnant in faith or wither along with the rest of the world.
To grow, Osteen said people need to be selective about the people they spend time with and the things they give attention to. "You have to be selective with whom you give your time, energy, and attention. If your friends are prejudiced, you're going to become prejudiced. If they have no goals and little motivation, that narrow-minded thinking is going to contaminate you," he warned.
His wife, Victoria, also wrote earlier that even though people plant themselves in the right soil, things will not always go their way. She warned them that a lot of challenges lie ahead, but it's always important to remain rooted in God.
"While we wish we were in a constant blooming season with things always going our way, some seasons are challenging and difficult," she said. "Recognize that it is a season, that it is where God has you right now, and that God wants to use everything in this season to keep you moving toward His purpose for your life."
