Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9.

           “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” (v. 9).

   “You’re an awesome gardener! These are gorgeous!” my friend gushed over the dahlias, roses, and celosia I had brought her. I hesitated to accept the compliment as I felt I honestly didn’t deserve the praise. I’m an amateur at this gardening thing. I experiment each year, and much of my garden’s success is almost accidental. I can only take credit for purchasing, planting, and watering. Sometimes I overwater. Sometimes I forget to water. Sometimes I prune too much. Sometimes the light isn’t right. Sometimes even my best efforts fail to save a plant. All I can do is try. I cannot force a plant to grow. So, when something blooms beautifully, I get quite excited!
   Watching plants grow and flowers bloom is deeply moving. It is a reminder of the principles mentioned in today’s Scripture reading. Ministry is a lot like gardening. When trying to reach others for Christ, there is a little we can do and a lot that is in God’s hands. But if I quit doing my part – if I quit “watering my flowers” – and quit preparing for my Sunday school class, quit interacting with my neighbors, etc., I am guaranteed failure. God asks me to do my part…all I can do. Then, when combined with the “sunshine” of His love, He multiplies my efforts and the results can be truly beautiful! (Shawna J. Wright)

                                        We must work hand-in-hand with God to reach and teach souls.