One young man, with a lot of zeal, went to a distant land to do ministry. He was not under any leadership, had some financial resources, some connections, and had his own idea of doing a mission. Recruiting about fifty men and women for a three-month course, he trained them. Over twenty batches he trained, then came a severe wave of persecution. Now, unable to do much, he sought the counsel of a mature leader. He asked him to do research: How many of the trained are doing ministry, how many are part of a church, and how many have backslidden. Except for three who were in ministry, he could find just less than one hundred in churches. Most probably, others do not attend church, or are backslidden or have gone back to their ancestors’ belief system. In light of the Parable of the Sower, it was evident that he did not have a strategy, exemplifying bad stewardship. (Matthew 13:1-23)
Fertile ground: Out of one thousand seeds, fewer than ten had fallen in the fertile ground. The strategy of this young man did not consider where the seeds were being sown. He did not even get the minimum of 30 per cent of the parable taught.
Wayside: The problem of recruitment. He invited all without knowing who was coming. Some people wanted to see the city, so they came from rural areas. Others were there for good food, and some expected a job after the course. A majority of them heard the word, but did not understand. It was snatched away from them.
Rocky place: Some were emotionally excited and thought they had been enlightened. The good news was indeed great, worth listening to. Hence, they received joyfully. As they started sharing with their family members and friends, there was opposition. They warned or withdrew from them. Fearing social stigma and even excommunication, they forsook the word.
Amid Thorns: They were enthusiastic, but their hearts were crowded with so many things, priorities, and they did not allow the Word to take root and grow.
Do I diligently do God’s call and work strategically?