Bloom Where You’re Planted

Recently I’ve developed a desire to learn how to care for house plants. I’ve never had a green thumb, so I didn’t want to start out being too ambitious with a plant that required extensive maintenance. I just wanted something I could easily take care of, watch grow, and enjoy. Having done my research before going plant shopping, I found out that peace lilies were a good option because of their ability to clean the air of toxins and their minimal maintenance requirement. Sounded like a winner. But as I continue to monitor these plants in a new environment, over time I am seeing just how much care is in fact required for these house plants to thrive.

Believers, like live plants, need to be planted in a nurturing environment where we can receive the proper care by a ministry gift (a spiritual leader) who guides our lives and feeds us from the Word of God with knowledge. Being planted in ministry is crucial to the growth, maintenance and survival of our spiritual lives. Psalms 92:13-14 says, “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.”

Notice in my experience with the plant “I” did research to make my decision about a plant. The plant was flourishing in the environment it came from, but did not do as well in the place I took it to. One may question, could the knowledge I obtained be incorrect; did I receive all knowledge that I should have; or did I apply knowledge correctly? Nevertheless, my own understanding led me. Counsel with an expert gardener could have given me the right information on the ideal environment for the plant (proper lighting, temperature, etc.). When comparing spiritual principles to this natural event, I am reminded that we as natural beings tend to rely heavily on our own understanding. However, when we seek Godly counsel, we will be blessed (Psalm 1:1-3). If we trust God, DO NOT lean on our own understanding,  acknowledge God in all our ways; then He shall direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Although we should seek counsel of the expert for whatever area we desire to have success in, in ALL our ways we are to acknowledge God who is THE expert. In every area of our lives God can direct our paths. Spiritual counsel comes from our spiritual leader, who gives us the word of God and guides us with the word of God as it is purposed for our lives so that we have the best success.

If planted or even positioned incorrectly, the lushest plants will begin to turn yellow then brown and eventually die from neglect or improper care. Not only is it important to be planted in a church, it is important that we remain in the place where God set us. Proper maintenance also requires the proper environment. God sets the members (every believer) in the body of Christ as it pleases Him (1 Corinthians 12:18). This will ensure that we receive exactly what we need to grow spiritually and that we do not suffer the effects of being in an improper environment which would hinder us from flourishing. Membership is not by chance, but God ordained. We must remain where God sets us to fulfill the assignment for ministry that He has given us. On a natural job, ideally, we gain recognition and promotion when we consistently show up at the workplace, excel at what we do, remain consistent in our actions, and our work is proven, tested, and tried. In ministry, God places us on an assignment and expects us to thrive and excel (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

So, if you are in church, give yourself over wholeheartedly, be faithful and God will exalt you. If you are seeking a church, ask God. He will guide you based on what you need and where He needs you to be. Once you’ve been planted in that divine place, stay there and watch your life bloom.