Being Fruitful
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 13: 18-23 and Psalm 52 (NIV)
(Phay Ken Lin, Discipleship and Nurture)
READ:
Matthew 13: 18-23 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Matthew 13:3-8 Jesus told His audience the story of the sower. Following on in verses 18-23, Jesus explained the parable to His disciples. The seed represented the word of God and the different outcomes, the different responses to the sowing of His word. Of the four outcomes, only one was fruitful. In the other three situations, there was little or no growth. This was due either to a lack of understanding, a lack of commitment to the faith or conflicting priorities from the demands and distractions of this life that hinder fruitfulness.
APPLY:
When I first read the parable, I understood it to describe different groups of people and their response to God’s word. Some are totally indifferent to it because they fail to understand the message and it is lost as soon as it is spoken. Others receive the word fleetingly but without commitment and so abandon the Christian walk once it seems to demand too much of them. Yet others embrace the faith but their growth and service in the faith are hindered because they become distracted by the cares and pleasures of this life. Only one group is truly transformed by the word of God to bear fruit for His kingdom.
On further reflection, I realise that the four soils can also represent my heart condition at different seasons of my life. There are times when my heart is hardened and I am not receptive to God’s word. At other times, I may perform my Christian disciplines like quiet time, out of obligation rather than a true desire to be with God. During such times, I may receive the word superficially but it does not make an impression on me and the exercise becomes fruitless. On many occasions I begin with a genuine desire to commit myself wholeheartedly to God. Yet, I fall short because I allow the cares, responsibilities and pleasures of everyday life to distract me from my goal. Indeed the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak! It is only when I set aside the time to be quiet and still, ready to receive His word and leading, with my heart ploughed and watered by the Holy Spirit, that His word can take root and bear fruit.
DO:
True discipleship must be intentional and at its core lies discipline. There will always be demands that are both valid and necessary such as responsibilities to work and family. There will also be activities that seem more pleasurable than time spent in God’s presence. Yet I need to regularly weed out these distractions so that God’s word finds in my heart fertile soil. I should consciously prioritise the things of God above all else. Only then will I live a life that bears fruit and is pleasing to God.
PRAY:
Dear Father. I thank You for Your word so freely given and available. Let that not result in complacency on my part. Help me to desire You above all else that beckons in this world. May Your word be deeply rooted in me such that I may live a life that is fruitful and pleasing to You.
In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
