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True Education
There is life in the seed, there is power in the soil, but unless
infinite power is exercised day and night, the seed will yield no
return. The showers of rain must refresh the thirsty fields; the sun
must impart warmth, electricity must be conveyed to the buried seed.
The life that the Creator has implanted, He alone can call forth.
Every seed grows, every plant develops, by the power of God.
The work of those who sow is a work of faith. They cannot un-
derstand the mystery of the germination and growth of the seed, but
they have confidence in the agencies by which God causes vegetation
to flourish. They scatter the seed, expecting to gather it manyfold in
an abundant harvest. So parents and teachers are to work, expecting
a harvest from the seed they sow.
For a time the good seed may lie unnoticed in the heart, giving
no evidence that it has taken root. But afterward, as the Spirit of God
breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up, and at last brings
forth fruit. In our lifework we know not which shall prosper, this
or that. This question is not for us to settle. God’s great covenant
declares that “while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest ... shall
not cease.”
Genesis 8:22
. In the confidence of this promise, workers
of the soil till and sow. Not less confidently are we, in the spiritual
sowing, to work, trusting His assurance: “So shall My word be that
goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall
accomplish what I please.”
Isaiah 55:11
.
The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual
life, and the development of the plant is a figure of the development
of character. There can be no life without growth. The plant must
either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but
continuous, so is growth of character. At every stage of development
our life may be perfect, yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there
will be constant advancement.
The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to
sustain its life. So spiritual growth is attained through cooperation
with divine agencies. As the plant takes root in the soil, so we are
to take root in Christ. As the plant receives sunshine, dew, and rain,
so are we to receive the Holy Spirit. If our hearts are committed
to Christ, as the Sun of Righteousness He will arise upon us “with
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healing in His wings.”
Malachi 4:2
. We shall “grow like the lily.”
Hosea 14:5
.