Skeptics and cynics are often the ones
that we as Christians avoid the most. They intimidate us.
They mock us. And if they are going to be brought to Christ,
they are going to take the most work. They range from
hardened criminals to scientific intellectuals. In the
parable of the soils, they are the hard soil.
Spectators might show up in your
church.They may believe the Bible holds some good principles
to live by, just like the Koran and the teachings of Buddha.
They will participate in spiritual things and may appear to
even be a Christian because they study the Bible. They will
not be willing to help at church events but instead just
want to know what the church can provide for them. Like the
shallow soil, when storms of life come, they won’t survive
and neither will their supposed faith.
Seekers are looking for something in
their life. They may or may not realize that this is a need
that only Christ can fill. Seekers will be drawn to your
church because they are, as the name would imply, seeking
something. Spectators on the other hand may come to church
because that’s what people do on Sundays or because they are
curious about what goes on. Seekers may appear to be genuine
Christians and may participate in Christian events but it is
not because of a love of God. They do it because it gives
them a good feeling, the same as helping at a nursing home
or hospital may do. This isn’t a bad thing but they
shouldn’t be mistaken for doing things because of a true
devotion to Christ. Seekers are most like weedy soil. There
is a potential for growth and fruit bearing. Unfortunately,
cares of life can choke out this person. If the church no
longer meets their needs or they no longer have use for the
church, they will leave.
Believers are believers in Christ.
They are true Christians ranging from new Christians to
those who have been saved for decades. They display the
fruits of the Spirit. They participate in church for the
right reasons.
Disciples are more devoted believers.
They are willing to sacrifice their time and money, and use
their talents to the fullest extent possible. They have read
the Bible, understood it, and then applied it to their
lives. They are active in building the kingdom through
evangelism and discipleship. While they may be discipling
someone, they may also be in the process of being discipled
by someone more knowledgeable than they. While people in
this category are more mature believers and are more
productive than other Christians they still work to grow
closer to God because while on earth they will never be
perfect.
Next Section -
Digging, Weeding,
Fertilizing
