Better Farm Equipment & The Holy Spirit’s Power

Some people like to do things the hard way. They are of the opinion that pulling oneself up by the bootstraps is the best mode of operation. But while independence and self-sufficiency are lauded in our society there are times when this mindset is foolish. Why struggle to do things the old-fashioned way when there are better, more efficient ways of doing them? And why waste precious energy working alone when the desired outcome can only be accomplished with the help of someone better than we are? In all of our ministry we must rely on the Holy Spirit’s power.

 FFA Alumni Farm Machinery Auction

This past weekend our auction company spent hours working at the annual Greene County FFA Alumni auction. Weeks previous to the auction date, ads appeared in the newspapers and online soliciting farm machinery and lawn equipment consignments. On Friday our crew launched a full-on effort to catalog all of the items and get them on the web for potential buyers to see.

As I sat in the passenger seat of the clerking truck typing in all of the numerous pieces of equipment, it crossed my mind how over the years enterprising engineers have come up with so many ways to make farming easier and more productive. Various lawn tractors and garden equipment put to shame the hand-pushed reel mower my grandfather and dad used when I was a young girl. Huge combines and corn heads outpace any horse-drawn harvester still itching for competition. Most who still use the old methods of farming likely only do it for fun nowadays as these can’t accomplish nearly as much in the same amount of time.

Better Resources Produce Better Results 

Farming is not the only profession in which better resources make a huge difference. Spiritually speaking there are many Christians who are trying to work hard for God without the power they need to do the job well. Those who believe they have it within themselves to sow the seeds of the gospel misunderstand where ministry success comes from.

The Apostle Paul understood that His success in ministry depended on a power higher than his own. This well-educated man had all the makings of an important Jewish religious leader but chose to follow Jesus and to spread the gospel message instead. 

Paul could have tried to use his past prestige and abundant knowledge to persuade his audience to follow his example, but he knew this would likely only be a surface commitment. Rather, any real change of heart could only come from the Holy Spirit working in the lives of each individual. In this way the necessary faith for salvation would be a result of the Holy Spirit’s power and not a contrivance of man’s wisdom.

 The Holy Spirit’s Power is Needed for Successful Ministry

I am afraid that there are many Christians today who try to use useless equipment to reach the world with God’s truth. This is not so much because of the methods they use, but their reliance on self. No amount of programming, enthusiasm, or pat answers will till up a hardened heart and produce eternal fruit. There needs to be a stronger power involved. This power is God’s Holy Spirit. It is not our eloquence, personal strength, courage, educational degrees, or influence that change the world. The desired heart changes occur only as we let go of our self-reliance and utilize the powerful gift God has given us to spread the gospel message.

 Ministering in God’s Power

In order to harness this power we need to be fully connected to Jesus. As we abide in Him and allow His words to abide in us, He promises that whatever we ask will be given us. Our prayers on behalf of the world do more to influence our ministry than any talent, gift, effort, or worldly wisdom used apart from Him. It’s all about God and His Spirit and not about us! 

I am not sure what happened to that old reel mower my grandfather and dad used to mow grass. It’s probably in the trash heap somewhere, and good riddance. There are much more effective ways to mow the lawn and till the ground.

 Reaping a Good Harvest

Don’t waste precious energy trying to break through to peoples’ hearts on your own. Utilize the Holy Spirit’s power to sow the seed of the gospel. It’s the only way to reap a good harvest.