The parable of the sower challenges us on many levels, but just when we think we've got it the last thirteen words of Jesus dare us to go farther and deeper. After three soil failures, the success of the good ground gives us a living hope, but then Jesus adds: "who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." What's going on? Which one are you? More importantly, which one am I?
Bearing Fruit
Fruit is the benefit of being in Jesus, the Vine (John 15:1-2). It is fruit unto holiness (Rom. 6:22) and of righteousness (2 Cor. 9:10). "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith..." (Gal. 5:22). It is "every good work" (Cor. 1:10). We can't do any of this without Jesus (John 15:4). Truly, in all things it is God who gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6) and who gets the glory!
Notice that Jesus did not say that some people will give 100%, some 60%, some 30%. Everyone is going to try to give 100% of their potential and ability, but results will vary. The gospel bears impressive fruit, and that fruit is valued even though it is produced in varying quantities.
100x
There is potential for a lot of good and a lot of evil in being a 100x person. You can accomplish so much for the kingdom of God; you can help so many people, and you can inspire and challenge everyone. But beware of pride and taking the credit for what you do. Beware of feeling superior, as if you are the only one working, or as if you "have to do everything." Resist the temptation to lower your fruit bearing to "average," thinking, "If it is good enough for those who are 60x or 30x, it is good enough for me." Especially avoid despising those who are bearing less fruit.
Remember "the last shall be first, and the first last" principle (Matt. 20:16). Give God the glory for anything accomplished through you. Show appreciation for how you have been blessed and compassion toward those who have not been. Don't compare yourself with others (2 Cor. 10:12). Give words of appreciation, respect, and thanks to others.
60x
There is potential for a lot of good and a lot of evil in being a 60x person. You may feel you are the unnoticed "middle child" of fruit bearing in the family of God. The 100x people leave a mark; they make an obvious difference. The 30x people get help, encouragement, and appreciation for everything they try to do. So you get to be the anonymous right hand who does the things unnoticed by the left hands (and about which you are not supposed to tell them - Matt. 6:3). Beware of feeling average, unnoticed, and unappreciated. Resist the temptation to just do what most people do or have always done because it is average. Don't try to drag a 100x down or despise a 30x as a way of making yourself look or feel better.
Remember, there are no average kingdom citizens. We all "shine forth as the sun" (Matt.13:43). Resist putting down what you do because it isn't flashy. Take confidence and inspiration in knowing God "who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly" (Matt. 6:4). Don't compare yourself with others (2 Cor. 10:12). Express appreciation for all the fruit others bear. Offer help to the 100x and 30x, even if they get the credit for the fruit.
30x
Though you may doubt it, there is potential for a lot of good and a lot of evil in being a 30x person. In terms of righteousness, 2x is a lot for us who used to be "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1). Were it not for 100x and 60x fruit bearers, I suspect we would be amazed by the 30x people! So, why aren't we still amazed? I'll warn you not to feel like you are doing nothing just because you can't do what others can do. Don't resent those who are gifted and blessed more than you, and don't assume they look down on you. Beware: it's not just the 100x people who can be prideful. Are you willing to wash feet like Jesus did?
Remember, you are a vital part of the body (1 Cor. 12). Focus on what Jesus said about giving a cup of cold water (Matt. 10:42). Live up to your full potential. Be a 30x person at 100%. Take confidence in knowing that in areas where you are weak, Christ can be strong (2 Cor. 12:8-10). Show appreciation for and help those who can do even more than you can.
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