Lessons from a Seed: Temperature
Friday, July 19
Lessons from a Seed: Temperature
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6
Temperature is important in the germination process. Seeds require the right temperature to germinate effectively. If a seed is in an environment lacking the right temperature, its chance of success is severely limited, even if all the other elements are present. For the believer, the right “temperature” is the fire of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit ignites our passion for God and fuels our spiritual growth. It is through the Spirit that we receive power, guidance, and comfort. By fanning into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit within us, we maintain our spiritual fervor and stay committed to our journey of faith. Invite the Holy Spirit to work in your life, bringing warmth and vitality to your spiritual walk.
There are many ways to look at this one element – temperature.
In Revelation 3:15-16, Christ warns His people, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.” None of us can afford to let our zeal for brotherly love and doctrinal truth wane. Therefore, we must be diligent to have—and maintain—the right temperature to survive!
Further, sometimes it might be necessary to turn up the temperature! Just as some seeds need to be exposed to fire, we must endure trials—sometimes even fiery ones—throughout our lives. When a seed is exposed to fire, extreme heat, or a period of freezing temperatures, a chemical change occurs, which triggers the seed to grow. In the same way, trials trigger us to grow. God uses problems, troubles and afflictions to strengthen His begotten children—to cause us to learn, change, grow, endure and overcome.
As mentioned earlier this week, a seed with a thicker coat may need to be scarred or cracked to ensure germination. In addition, some seed embryos are not fully developed for germination. In such cases, the seed needs to go through a waiting or curing period before it is ready.
I pray that you discover and understand this week that under the right conditions, a seed will grow and develop into a wonderful new plant, providing food, shelter or beauty. The next time you do a little planting in your garden or see a farmer planting his field, remember the example God has given us in the little seed!
Prayer for today: Holy Spirit, ignite Your fire within me. Fan into flame the gifts You have placed in my life. Fill me with Your power, guidance, and comfort. Help me to stay passionate and committed to my faith. Warm my heart with Your presence and lead me in the path of righteousness. Amen