You Get What You Plant

A foundation always shows—eventually, though not overtly. The foundation lies underground, hidden from direct observation, waiting for its time when it will show its quality. A poorly founded home will appear the same as any other home until it is tested by the storm. It is under pressure that the importance of the foundation will be seen—and the pressure always comes, eventually.

You get what you plant. If you plant a fig tree, you don’t expect to harvest grapes. If you want your fig to be healthy and abundant, you need to make sure you get your roots down deep, because it is what is under the ground that will indicate what you produce above the ground. A cracked foundation will cause a ruptured home. Roots that lie too close to the surface will support a superficial product. Evil in the heart leads to desperation on the outside, just as surely as a house built on sand will wash away at the first sign of flooding.

If you want healthy fruit, plant healthy roots. If you want a life that is strong and sustaining, then build your life upon a strong foundation. Keep your heart from evil. Meditate on things that are pure, right, and holy.

When house hunting, it is easy to be swayed by a beautiful exterior. A nice yard and a fresh coat of paint can conceal the problems that lie beneath. The same holds true for people themselves. We put a lot of effort into our exterior presentation. We can look pretty good on the surface. It won’t take long, however, for the truth to be revealed. All a person needs to do is open their mouth. “For out of the mouth, the heart is revealed.”

Respond in Prayer

Dear Lord, I admit I find it easier to attend to how I appear on the surface than attending to the spiritual foundation of my life. Forgive me for this shortsightedness. I give you the freedom to do what you need to strengthen the foundation of my life. Amen.

Kent Anderson

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).