The Danger of Untended Fields

When God chooses to reveal himself, he does so in unmistakable ways. But in a world full of distractions, spiritual matters can easily take a back seat. God can feel hidden to those who have no time for him, and he can feel distant from those who struggle to see the work of his hands.

When we are confronted by a culture that seems indifferent to the spiritual consequences of sin, we have a tendency to hide. We play God, casting judgment on a person’s receptivity to the message of salvation before we even speak. By prejudging the condition of someone’s “soil,” we tend to remain silent and stop his words from overflowing from our hearts.

Are our own hearts clogged when we cast judgment on others? Are we too busy inspecting our neighbor’s field to tend to our own?

The prophet Isaiah confronted his people about the dangers of being absorbed by their surrounding culture. The people of Israel had allowed their fields of faith to become overgrown. Instead of the fruit produced by faith and trust in his promises, wild grapes were thriving in their vineyards. God had built up these fields. He had set apart the promised land, supplied daily nourishment, and provided the seeds. But out of sheer neglect, God’s people let their fields go.

“In spite of all that God’s grace had done for them, they turned away from him and pursued pleasure and evil. When God expected fruits of faith like love, gentleness, humility, faith, and reverence, the people yielded a crop of perversion, gluttony, arrogance, greed, and mockery.” — John A. Braun

In his mercy, God promises victory, forgiveness, love, and life for those who trust in him. But in his grace, he also constantly warns us about the dangers of this world before the time for repentance is gone.

When I look at the spiritual condition of our country, I wonder if it is a direct reflection of fields that have been left untended by Christians for years.

Gospel seeds were not planted.

Jesus said the fields are ripe and the workers are few. Have we been taking the time to plant the seeds of the gospel?

Lord, I am guilty. I ask for your forgiveness. Today, Lord, plow up my fields of self-serving interests so my soil can be receptive to your seeds.

Seeds were planted in the political arena instead.

For years, prominent Christian leaders rallied the faithful to form a moral majority and fight a cultural war for values. But the lack of fruit from these efforts has painted a portrait of Christianity that bears little resemblance to Christ.

I am guilty, Lord. I ask for forgiveness. Forgive me when my sinful nature is more prone to trying to solve society’s problems through laws rather than changing hearts through the gospel. Renew my trust in you.

Weeds were allowed to grow in our own fields.

It is difficult to navigate this digital age where endless distractions and busyness dominate our lives. If we constantly feel overwhelmed, it is likely the result of fields that have been overcome by weeds.

I am guilty, Lord. I ask for your forgiveness. Help me to recognize the weeds in my own life and actively uproot them.

A lack of fruit in my own garden sets me up to be pruned. If God chooses to cast judgment on my world, I will feel it too. That’s what happened to God’s people during the days of Isaiah.

But amidst all of this, I know one thing: I am forgiven. The Lord has taken away my guilt. Going forward, I will not judge, pre-judge, or try to predict what God’s judgment will be—he has taken that responsibility away from me. Instead, I will look to tending the field God has given to me, remaining in Christ so I can bear the fruit he desires.