Every Spring comes the time to drag out the old lawn mower, make a few necessary adjustments, and cut the grass which has suddenly come to life after laying dormant through the winter months. Some analogies to the spiritual kingdom of our Lord may be helpful.
The first thing we need to do is check the spark plug. Can you remember the last time it has been replaced? Has the mower become difficult to start or sluggish after starting? If so, then more spark may be needed. The spark of motivation is also important in the Lord’s church. When citizens of this kingdom become sluggish and indifferent, the Lord’s work will not be accomplished. If one cannot get his lawn mower started, he will not mow grass. Likewise, if the church is not motivated for the cause of Christ, souls will remain lost. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Another preparation for mowing involves checking the wheels. Are they fastened securely? Or, are they ready to fall off? Without wheels that turn freely, the task of pushing the lawn mower may become entirely too difficult. When wheels are operating smoothly, the mower may be guided swiftly and accurately to accomplish its work and glorify its owner with a neat, well-trimmed lawn. Being guided by the Master Gardener is also essential in working in the Lord’s kingdom. Do we run swiftly to do the Master’s will, or do we drag our feet and resist to the point where it becomes nearly impossible for the Lord to guide us in His purposes? “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time…” (1 Peter 5:6).
Finally, as one prepares to mow, he will need to make sure there is an ample supply of fuel. When the fuel is gone, the work stops. We would not expect a lawn mower, or any other piece of machinery, to operate without fuel. Yet, in the spiritual realm, this principle is often ignored. Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Just as a lawn mower blade needs sharpening, Christians need to sharpen themselves in the word of God so as to gain sustenance for real Christian living. If the lawn mower is functioning properly, the fuel will need to be replenished. So also, as the child of God works in the kingdom of the Lord, he will need the strength which comes through a personal study of God’s word. Peter writes, “like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation…” (1 Peter 2:2).
Are you mowing the lawns of the kingdom, brother? Are you fully involved in the Lord’s work? Before you can sow the seed of the kingdom, you may need to mow the weeds of indifference and regain the spark of enthusiasm engendered as God’s word becomes a vital part of your daily life. Continue steadfastly in the work of the Lord, for “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
— Glen Elliott —