Wheat Grain

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. John 12:24 NKJV

What happens at the end of the growing season? The harvest comes, but it wouldn’t be possible if not for the grain. It did its part by dying to produce a crop. The field is re-plowed, reseeded with grain, and the growing process starts again. Just as the field must be replanted season after season, our process must repeat itself over and over again until we enter heaven.

John 12:25 says “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” The love his life part speaks of the self-centered life, controlled by “what’s in it for me” mentality. Jesus said those living this way will ultimately lose everything.

Conversely, anyone who hates his life will keep it for all eternity. What do we do when we hate something? We throw it away, distance ourselves from it, and try not to think about it, right? Jesus is telling us to tease the same. Distance us from our self, become others-focused instead. In this way, we give our life away. The reward for doing so is clear; life forever with Jesus.

The Bible teaches pride goes before the fall (Proverbs 16:18). Therefore in our first step is recognizing the pride so we can get rid of it through confession. When we confess our sins, it helps us grow into humility, which represents the ground. This enables us to carry out the next step, denying self. Dying to self is a picture of a dying grain. We put aside our desires, wants, needs and focus on others instead. The result is a crop of spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV says this about spiritual fruit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Which part of this process is most difficult for you? Why do you think that is? Ask a trusted friend to help you recognize pride, keep you accountable in confessing, and to remind you of the benefits of living life God’s way.

John 12:26 says “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” When we follow Jesus, we will act as He did. We become servant-hearted, as He is. So begins our journey amen !