"It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow." 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NLT)
Over the last 6 months, something strange has been happening in my dreams. Besides the insomnia and struggle to stay asleep, I've noticed that every dream includes a friend or family member I haven't talked to in years. What do they all have in common? The need for salvation.
While it could be a coincidence, I believe God works in mysterious and wonderful ways. If we believe that God speaks through people, circumstances, and events, surely He can speak through our restful or sleepless nights, too.
In 1 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul addresses the Church in Corinth and its leaders. While this letter was written to them, I believe its contents can be applied to us, as well. How so? Paul rebuked these people for being spiritually dull or immature in their faith. Instead of growing and maturing in the solid food of Christ, they were still preoccupied with milk like infants. The root cause of their problems? Jealousy and quarreling!
"Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, 'I follow Paul,' and another, 'I follow Apollos,' are you not mere human beings?" 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (NIV)
Sadly, the Corinthians were arguing over who followed Paul or Apollos. They didn't understand that in the grand scheme of things, neither Paul nor Apollos is the point. Both shared the gospel, as the Lord assigned to each his task (vs.5), but God makes the seeds grow. And what matters is that people are coming to Jesus every single day!
As Christians, one of our missions is to share the Good News of the gospel with everyone we meet. But we must not compare our work to others. Doing this only causes us to lose sight of our eternal mission.
In the case of Paul and Apollos, Paul planted the seed, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. "So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building" (1 Corinthians 3:7-9, NIV).
Friends, no matter if Jesus speaks to you in a dream, through a family member, or crazy situation, we're called to share the Good News! God puts people on our hearts and minds for a reason, and we're called to listen and obey, not get caught up in who the most important or successful evangelist is.
If you've struggled to compare yourself to others' miracles, prayers, or ability to share the gospel, don't grow weary or jealous. God has given each of us unique talents, gifts, and missions. We're not called to get stuck in the comparison trap, but rather see those around us as members of the Family of God. We're to be faithful in planting the seeds He's given us. And at the end of the day, He is the One who makes those seeds grow and develop into mature and wise trees. Trees that produce abundantly more fruit than we could ask, think, or imagine. Trees that go on to produce a thousand-fold offspring in their calling and mission as directed by the Lord.
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus, sharing the gospel with others is an incredibly high calling. It can be difficult, painful, and scary. But as we share you and your Word with others, help us stay faithful and humble in heart. Remind us that we don't need to compare ourselves to others, and that we're all members of the Body of Christ. You've called each of us according to our labor, and we're co-workers in your service. Help us to produce a crop that multiplies and to be bold in sharing your Name with others. In Jesus' Name, we praise and thank you, Lord. Amen.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/ipopba
Related Resource: Anxiety: Practical Steps for Healing in Christ
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Originally published Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
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