I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. – I Corinthians 3:6-9
We all have a role to play. We all have an assignment. God calls but few step up. The labor isn’t easy but faithfulness is always rewarded.
In 1 Corinthians, God opens up His almanac and shares His formula for personal development and spiritual growth. There’s plenty of work to go around and Paul allegorically lays out some agricultural assignments to help us understand our calling. Some plant and others are responsible for watering but the Lord is always the one who brings the growth. Planting and watering are labor-intensive and require diligence, patience and resolve but even the best farmer must be reliant on God to bring forth a good yield.
What does this show us? That all men need the Lord! We all need a relationship with Him. We all need His guidance and protection. Most of all, we need salvation.
But like a seed, someone put us in nutrient-rich soil. Someone introduced us to Jesus. Maybe it was your parents or a good friend? Possibly your spouse or girlfriend? It could have been recently through Red Truck Men! These are examples of faithful sowers. A simple introduction to the Lord; a step into realizing that we need help!
Planters are critical. When you serve as a light to someone at the grocery store, Starbucks, a business meeting, or changing a tire on the side of the road; you are sowing seeds. You never know what someone is walking through. Strike up a simple conversation and allow God to use you as a seed planter.
Next, we have the water! Yes, someone waters the seed. One person plants, and one waters. In my case, I’m horrible at watering. Actually, truth be told I think I’m bad at both! Watering is the guy that takes the time out of his day to send a verse, make a call, invite for coffee, and help a guy like me that may want to learn more about the Lord and His will for my life.
When I met the Lord it was a very tough time in my life. One by one the wheels were falling off! Divorce, business! Up to that point I had rejected the Lord; felt it was a waste of time. But God, in His love, sent a buddy to plant me in good soil! Then he sent another friend to water! And God began to grow me! Despite my rejection of Him and the pain I experienced, I began to see how God was working all things for His good. I needed a relationship with my maker, my Heavenly Father. Jesus wanted to show me what real love was all about. The guy that plants, the guy that waters, and the loving Father in heaven who brings growth, work as a beautiful team to bring clarity and purpose! God could do all the work Himself (plant, water, bloom) but in love, He extends some of the tasks to us so we can play a role in expanding His kingdom.
This is why Red Truck Men exists. We need to grow together and lift each other up. Learn God’s Word and uncover His will! We all have a role to play. The one that plants versus the one that waters share equal importance! God’s final word in this verse says they will Each Be Rewarded According To Their Own Labor ! We can all be thankful that someone planted us, while the others watered because we all need Him!
Steve Thomas, RTM