Culture: Tilling the Land
Culture: Tilling the Land
The word culture has an interesting and informative etymology. Its earliest and still current meaning is “the tilling of the land.” The word is derived from the stem colere, “tend, guard, cultivate, till.” The implication is that culture doesn’t just “happen.” It requires deliberation, care, and diligence. Surprise! It takes time and hard work.
In Mark 4:16-33, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a tiny seed.
And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? [It is] like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].
It is easy to despise small beginnings, to look at a tiny, withered seed and wonder how it could ever produce a gorgeous flower. I’ve noticed, though, that God prefers slow and quiet miracles, even when we humans crave fireworks.
You may be one flawed person (like me!) who is making small, deliberate steps to transform your home culture and the culture at large Do not be discouraged. The farmer works patiently, and ultimately trusts in the providence of God for the harvest.
Till the land and plant the seeds. You may not see it at once, but by the grace of God the seed will awaken and send out its first green thread. We have the hope of the Lord.
Results or Roses
The man who wants a garden fair,
Or small or very big,
With flowers growing here or there,
Must bend his back and dig.
The things are mighty few on earth
That wishes can attain.
Whate’er we want of any worth
We’ve got to work to gain.
It matters not what goal you seek:
It’s secret here reposes:
You’ve got to dick from week to week
To get Results or Roses.
—Edgar Guest
Tuesday, December 8, 2009