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The Gospel Lantern
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men"
LIGHTHOUSE
BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH
883 AENON CHURCH
ROAD
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA
32304
(850) 574-9886
The Feminine Touch
"Are You Planted or Potted?"
As women, we are drawn to pretty things. We love flowers and plants,
because they bring a certain homey atmosphere to a room or garden. Remember your roots,
Adam and Eve were the first gardeners.
When Spring comes, who doesn't love to see the first leaves shoot forth on the trees in a
vibrant array of greens. It refreshes the landscape and makes us think of life and a new
beginning.
Here in Florida, it is the Azaleas that make the yards come alive with color. It should
make us stop and thing about the wonderful works of God's creation.
Did you know that we as Christians are like plants? My husband was preaching one Sunday
and he made a remark about being a potted or a planted Christian. So I decided t expound a
little on the subject.
Just as there are many kinds of plants, there are many kinds of Christians. I only want ti
expound on two types, the potted and the planted.
As you know, if you've done any work in a garden, there are basically two ways to plant
plants. You can either plant them in pots or plant them directly in the ground.
Let me take the potted plant first. Many seedlings are started this
way to protect them until they are mature enough to be transplanted into the garden. Their
growth is fast for the first few weeks as they feed on the small amount of soil in the
pot. But then without more soil to bring nutrients to the leaves, they become stunted, and
they don't produce.
Just like new Christians, they feed on the few scriptures they learned upon salvation, but
without Bible study, they become stunted, and they don't produce.
Another problem soon arises for the new seedlings; being root-bound. If they are not
transplanted when they are ready into the rich soil of the garden, they will not grow to
their full potential.
Many Christians are this way.
They are lazy and comfortable where they are. They like being root-bound so to speak. Not
wanting to grow, they are content to stay just as they are, bearing no fruit. They never
bloom and bring beauty or enjoyment to those around them or to God.
Last comes the worst; root rot. This is usually the case when potted plants get too much
water. The soil has washed out and the roots sit in water. Soon they begin to rot away and
no longer are able to bring any nutrients to the leaves, and the plants die.
These are the Christians that let too much of the world into their lives. Soon it is more
than they can handle and they are led so far astray that any morals or Godly thinking are
washed away and they begin to spiritually rot. So much for being potted.
The planted plants however have a much better chance of survival.
They have the advantage of being in the ground surrounded by lots of soil, where they can
draw in nutrients all the time.
As with Christians who are planted in the right churches and learn new spiritual truths
about God’s word. They will grow and produce the fruit they were intended to.
Plants that are put into the ground usually grow stronger and their roots go deep down.
This secures them so that they are not easily uprooted by wind or rain.
Christians who JOIN churches are usually committed to the work of God. They put roots down
and start producing. They want to see the work of God grow.
Be a planted Christian!
Remember: Plants need fertilizer on a regular basis to help them grow
and produce.
Christians too need regular spiritual nourishment. A dose of miracle grow (God’s
Word) Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night, will help a Christian produce
fruit.
So if right now you are a potted Christian, get planted! Find a good Independent, Bible believing, Baptist Church and get rooted.
Point To Ponder: “Be a flower, not a thorn, in someone’s path today.”
Susan Kish (the pastor's wife)
Article is from the Fall 2003 Issue of "The Gospel Lantern" LBBC newsletter.
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