Words fascinate me, perhaps because they’re more complex than a few entries in a dictionary. I try to use them carefully. And then of course I have a few words which I love to whip out of my vocabulary either because they’re just fun or they’re jam packed full of an idea I can’t get my mind off. “Cultivate” has recently joined this group for the latter reason.
There’s a lot of connotative rabbit trails you can chase with this agricultural metaphor. First of all, it implies work. Creating an environment for flourishing is not a walk in the park. You’re going to sweat and get dirty. As one who follows Jesus, I am not given permission to live a hands-off life. Sure, it’s a whole lot easier when I can be selfish, lazy, and secluded, but this is not what I’ve been made for. Living the abundant life that Jesus has promised me is going to take some effort on my part.
And yet cultivating also conveys this idea of total dependence and trust. Think about it: Does the farmer really make his crops grow? Yes, he finds good soil and waters and manages sun exposure. But there may be times when he contributes all the right factors and nothing happens. That’s why joy accompanies every new bud. It’s the celebration of an organic process that the planter couldn’t have made happen on his own. In the same way, I am not ultimately responsible for the good things produced in me. I intentionally invest the time and the resources, and then I humbly wait, trusting that the Lord will bring it to fruition. His power works mightily in me, creating something far more beautiful than my efforts alone could.
And then comes the patience. Oh, you thought all that greatness would just spring up overnight? Think again. My sanctification is indeed a process. I tend to the same seeds again and again and find that there’s still nothing above ground to show for it. Strangely, this is not cause for despair. My hope is in the One who does not disappoint.
I’m learning what it looks like to cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit in my actions and words. To cultivate knowledge and wisdom in my thoughts. To cultivate my Heavenly Father’s grace and mercy in my attitudes. And I’m writing about it here.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
Cultivate. 