Preserving the Unaltered Word of God
"For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth, the Life.” John 14:6
Gardening is one of my hobbies, but it is also a fairly new hobby of mine. This will be my third year gardening and my second year at our house. The first year went pretty good, but last year, all of my tomatoes got blight and never ripened!
In preparation for this upcoming growing season, I called on a gentleman from our small group and well-seasoned gardener to come access my soil and growing processes to see where I could improve. He gave me lots of advice as well as some physical supplies to help me out.
As we discussed my tomatoes, he asked what variety I was growing. To which I replied, "Amish Paste." He said "ahh that might be your problem." He then went onto share how Amish Paste tomatoes are a beautiful tomato and quality taste, but that they are also heirloom. One thing I learned that day was that your usual tomato seeds you might buy at the grocery store or hardware store (just like I bought my first year gardening) are actually hybrids of tomatoes, created to withstand the common pests and problems of gardeners. But, heirloom tomatoes are a pure line and are much more susceptible to pests and problems. They can require much more attentive care. However, they are a favorite amongst seasoned gardeners.
It got me thinking though about passages like Proverbs 14:12, which says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." It also brought to mind Matthew 7:14, "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth, the Life (John 14:6). There is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.
However, so much of Scripture is often distorted and twisted. The truths of Scripture we often hear the world sharing are often twisted or re-worded or taken out of context - both in and outside the church! How does this relate to tomatoes you ask? Well, unfortunately these distorted versions of Scripture is what we often hear most, it is what survives - just like those hybrid tomatoes! That is because that twisted Scripture is much more likely to meet man's agenda. The pure unadulterated Scripture can be found offensive because it is so contrary to the world's standards and it is often under attack, just like the heirloom tomato is.
As it takes careful attention to grow heirloom tomatoes, it also takes careful attention to preserve the Word of God as it is written. As believers we must be vigilant in reading the Word daily so we know what it says and we can tell what is "heirloom" or pure biblical truth and what is "hybrid" or changed, altered truth. My prayer is that though the help of the Holy Spirit, God would give us a greater understanding of His Word and a longing to know it and hide it in our hearts (Psalm 119:11).