Images of a Christian
By Jerry Batson, Th.D.
Special to The Alabama Baptist
Previously we have thought about children, soldiers and athletes as ways the Bible refers to the Christian life. This week we turn to yet another image — that of farmers.
As we have been noting each week these images are not the source of our theology; they are simply common illustrations that help us grasp the truths of God’s authoritative word.
We have noted in the past two weeks how 2 Timothy 2:3–5 employs the imagery of a soldier and an athlete. This week we turn to the next verse in that passage which brings up the image of a farmer: “The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops” (2 Tim. 2:6). As we ponder the work of a diligent farmer several aspects of the Christian life might be noted.
Preparing the ground
At the outset a farmer prepares the ground. In another setting the prophet Jeremiah admonished, “Break up your fallow ground and do not sow among thorns” (Jer. 4:3). Selecting fertile soil and avoiding rocky ground suggests what Galatians 6:8 teaches: “He who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
The desires of the flesh are poor soil in which to plant one’s life and on which to expend time and energy.
The wise farmer selects good seed when planting. Poor seed portends a poor harvest. The principle of Galatians 6:7 holds true in Christian living: “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
The good seed
In His explanation of the parable of the sower, Jesus pointed His hearers to God’s word as the good seed: “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). James 1:21 admonishes, “Receive the implanted word which is able to save your souls, but be doers of the word and not hearers only.”
Successful farmers give attention to weeds invading their crops. Jesus warned about tares or weeds mingling with the growth that came from good seeds (Matt. 13:24–25).
Along with eliminating weeds the farmer sometimes must prune the growth of the good plants. Obviously Christians must prune from their lives works of the flesh but sometimes also must prune harmless habits that rob time and energy from better pursuits.
As the farmer waits patiently for harvest time so Christians wait patiently for the future harvest when Christ returns.
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