From Information to Transformation: A Gracious Path to Growth

Blog by Gem Fadling

I recently listened to the Parable of the Sower from Mark 4:1-9. I love listening to scripture. It hits me differently when it comes through my ears and not through my eyes by reading.

Let’s begin by reading it together:

Again [Jesus] began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on a path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” And he said, “If you have ears to hear, then hear!” (Mark 4:1-9 NRSV)

You’ve likely heard a hundred sermons on this passage, and I’m guessing it’s been meaningful to you over the years. Today, I’d like to engage the four types of soil reflectively and not descriptively. Let’s engage a soul-level check-in.

I’m a practitioner at heart. I’ve heard sermons, attended workshops, and studied extensively. But what good is mere information without actual transformation? It is important to prioritize our growth, our soul-health. This affects all that we do.

The soils that Jesus talks about in this parable are wonderful descriptors that can help us look within. Certainly, Jesus is talking about the kinds of people who hear his words and how they might or might not act on them. But, in a way, all those types can be within us at any given time. I’ve certainly had a hardened heart or a stressed and distracted mind. Haven’t you?

There is no judgment here. No shame. Just a check-in.

Let’s name the soils like this: Hard, Rootless, Thorny & Good

Growth doesn’t happen by chance. We make progress by seeing and acknowledging where we are versus where we’d like to be. Yes, we are being transformed by God…AND it’s good for us to remain open, aware, and willing to change.

That’s why I like to be graciously ruthless with myself. How curious and honest can I be about where I am in my growth process? Freedom begins with awareness.

My guess is you don’t have time right this minute to engage this fully, but you can allow some helpful thoughts to surface as you read.

I invite you to make some space at lunch today or another day this week. Give yourself the gift of self-knowledge. It’s a wonderful starting place of growth.

Using the example of the soils, let’s do a little reflecting. You may not connect with all of the soils right now, but one likely stands out to you in your current season. Keep the other reflection questions in your pocket for future thought.

Hard: crusty, unyielding 

• In what area of your life do you notice a hard crust encasing your heart? It may feel as if nothing can get through and you’ve lost a sense of buoyancy.
• Describe this sensation and notice your thoughts about it.
• What behaviors or wounds might have led to this hardening?
• How might you open to a more softened posture?
• Share this with God in prayer.

Rootless: shallow, burning out, withering 

• In what area of your life do you sense a withering of spirit, an inability for things to take root and thrive?
• Describe what this feels like.
• Ponder what may have occurred over time that led you to this place.
• What discerned action might lead to deeper roots?
• Share this with God in prayer.

Thorny: distracted, choked, pressed 

• In what area of your life do you feel distracted, overwhelmed, or pressed down?
• Describe the dynamic and the consequences you are noticing.
• What circumstances, thoughts, or behaviors led to this place?
• What might aim you toward freedom?
• Share this with God in prayer.

Good: healthy, vibrant, thriving 

• In what area of your life do you feel healthy, vibrant, and thriving?
• Describe what this feels like.
• Reflect on how you might have come to this place.
• How might you sustain this growth or continue to build upon it?
• Share this with God in prayer.

Remember, whatever you noticed can be looked at and engaged. This takes a level of courage, but I believe in your ability to make your way.

One thing I know about our Unhurried Living community is that you take seriously your relationship with God and your own formation.

I empathize with how difficult it is to be honest with yourself about the soil of your heart. Don’t be discouraged. This is good information, and now you have a way to pray and connect with God that will take you deeper into trust and freedom.

If anything came up for you that might need some support, remember, we have a team of pastors, coaches, and spiritual directors who can walk alongside you. You can go to ul.com/associates to learn more and get the help you need.

Blessings to you as you make your way.