What Kind of Soil Are You Growing In?

Jul 10

Not all soil is made to grow.

That might sound harsh, but it’s the truth. Recently, I found myself reflecting on the parable Jesus talked about the sower and the different types of soil. In that story, the seed—God’s word—falls on different types of ground: some rocky, some thorny, some shallow, and some rich and fertile. The condition of the soil determines whether the seed grows or withers.

That parable still speaks today. Because some of us think we’re planted in good soil—but the fruit of our lives says otherwise.

It’s easy to believe your heart is in the right place when you’re surrounded by people who only see one version of you. But if we’re being honest, the way some people treat others shows their soil is rocky, thorny, or even nonexistent. No love. No compassion. No grace. And if there’s no soil, there’s no room for growth.

I know this firsthand—because that was me.

I used to think I was good soil just because I was showing up in church or saying the right things. But in reality, I was full of pride, bitterness, and thorns. I had stones in my heart from past pain and hurt that made it hard for anything good to take root. I didn’t have the depth to sustain what God was trying to plant in me.

It wasn’t until I got real with myself, repented, and invited God to till my soil that things began to change. He broke up the hard ground in me. He pulled out the weeds. He gave me a fresh start.

So today, I challenge you: don’t judge your soil by the few people who only see your highlight reel. The people who really know you—know your soil. They’ve seen the way you respond under pressure, how you speak to others, and whether you walk in love or just talk about it.

Good soil isn’t about image—it’s about integrity. And the good news is, even if your soil isn’t where it needs to be, God is the ultimate gardener. He specializes in transformation. All you have to do is surrender and let Him do the work.