Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.
Matthew 12:33

As Jesus explains in the parable of the sower, we learn that your heart is like a field – whatever you plant is what will grow. You can plant seeds of lust, greed, and bitterness, or love, faith, and hope. We grow deeper with God by planting His Word in our hearts and allowing it to grow.

Take care not to let the things of this world choke out God’s Word in your heart. There is nothing you can do to make God love you more or less – His love for you is not based on your performance. Your sin cannot make God love you less, but it will make you love Him less. Hebrews 3:13 says, exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Sin hardens your heart toward God. Continually turning to sin is like sticking cotton balls in your ears – it will become harder and harder to hear His voice.

As you study God’s Word and plant it in your heart, remember to water it and give it sunlight as well! It is not enough to hear a verse or two on Sunday morning. That seed needs to be watered every day by meditating on the Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew your mind. In Mark 4:24 Jesus explains, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. The more you study and receive the truth of God’s Word, the more virtue and understanding will be given to you.

You can choose to make your heart good or make it bad by what you sow. Choose to sow His Word, His love, and His goodness into your heart over all else!