Articles
Are You a Gardner?
The warm weather gets some to thinking about tilling the soil and planting their crops.
The idea of a beautiful garden has always attracted me, however, I don’t enjoy the work. I will
never have one of those yards. I have planted a garden the last few years, but if you came to see
it you would see almost as many weeds as good plants. So, you probably don’t want to ask me
for advice about gardening, but spiritual gardening should be all of our jobs.
The Bible teaches us to train up our children. “And these words that I command you
today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of
them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and
when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). We have a responsibility as parents not only to see to their
physical needs but also their spiritual needs.
“My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of
your mother; Bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk
about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they
will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for
discipline are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:20-23). One day all of us will be judged by the Word
of God. One day we will all have to face the consequences of the choices and actions we make in
this life. Teaching our children the Word of God can fill them with peace, joy, power, and
confidence, so they can be prepared for salvation and eternal life in heaven with God. What
better inheritance can you leave to your children than to “bring them up in the discipline and
instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). ~ Brad Tolbert
