Thread of Life
There are a variety of illustrations describing a life of faith in Jesus. While there is no perfect picture to describe the fullness and uniqueness of living a life in the Kingdom of God both here and beyond, there is one God gave me which I believe captures many elements of life in Him that we can use for discussion and ponderings.
When I was growing up in northern Alabama, I was mesmerized by the rows and rows of white, fluffy cotton ready for harvest I would see near our home. Cotton is a plant which has been used for about 7000 years. I have since learned that cotton minimizes ground water contamination, adapts to poor soils and is an efficient user of fertilizer. Cotton generates more dollars per gallon of water than any other field crop. It is found in almost all parts of the world. One interesting fact is that in spite of science and technology engineering cotton to be more adaptable to its surroundings and more resistent to disease and insects, there are still elements that cannot be “tamed” by man.
Cotton, from seed to purchased product, provides us with a picture not only of a phase of life that is the (1) quest of coming to faith in Jesus Christ, but can be extended to portray two other major phases: (2) growing up in Christ and a (3) giving back or serving in Christ. (A note of thanks to Don Everts and Doug Schaupp for sharing a definition of five thresholds in the journey to faith in Jesus found in their book I Once was Lost. These first five steps below generally follow the five thresholds they outline, but are applied in this unique illustration using the life cycle of the cotton plant.) I will continue to add to this illustration as needed to complete the message.
Quest of Faith in Jesus
God created all things and continues to create all things. We humans are made in God’s image [Genesis 1:27]. We have a need and desire to fill a void in our heart. We make decisions in life to satisfy this need. Only Jesus can truly fill this void.
But, how does this play out in life? Presented here is a model of how a life of hope and fulfillment in Jesus Christ is lived. It’s perspective is linear, trying to describe this picture of life-giving truth. We all know each life is different, no two are the same. Please don’t be limited by the stages of growth described below, but draw upon them as a framework for interacting with and relating to others.
Seeds
There is a seed planted by God in all of us to desire Him [Jeremiah 24:7], but we may not know it. For one who does not know Jesus, there may be distrust and perhaps disdain for “those Christians.” The charge for ones who submit to Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives is to love others in authentic relationship [I Peter 1:22]. A trusting relationship is the beginning of some good soil within which seeds can grow. [Hebrews 2:17; 4:14-16]
Seedlings
The sprouting curiosity of things that could be is represented by a seedling. [Acts 17:19-21] Considerations of life and life beyond may arise for the first time, but really not open to change. Followers of Jesus Christ should be open to share their experiences and answer questions. Focusing discussions on Jesus to respond to growing curiosity.
Squares (cotton flower buds)
The idea of change starts to develop. New ways of thinking about God and looking at life in a different way start to become reality. [Psalm 46:2] An explicit decision to being open to change in life is one of the hardest to make. Helping to create an environment of change is part of the opportunity a believer in the life-giving relationship with Jesus can offer anyone in this part of their journey.
Blossom (creamy to dark yellow, turn pink then dark red before falling off)
Someone who intentionally pursues answers about Jesus and God blossoms into one truly seeking conclusions with a sense of urgency. Questioning whether Jesus is relevant to ones own life is at the forefront while counting the cost of making a change. [Matthew 5:16] One who has put their faith in Jesus actively seeking a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is further along the journey and is able to offer a model of a faith. [1 Peter 2:12]
Boll
The ripe cotton boll is ready for harvesting. The commitment to turn away from a life without Jesus and an explicit decision to follow Him is the beginning of real living. The picture of cotton being plucked during harvest is more representative of how God chooses us to be in relationship with Him through His son Jesus. If you already have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then this is a reminder of the decision you made to follow Him. If not, I pray these words strike a chord in your heart.
The decision to accept God’s gift of salvation and have eternal fellowship with Him can be guided by following these steps:
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We acknowledge God as the Creator of everything, and that we are created by God for His purpose. [Romans 1:20-21]
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We realize that we are separated from God, that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness. No one can be “good enough” for God. [Romans 3:23]
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God gave us the only way to be forgiven of our sins. We see His love for us by Him giving us the possibility for life through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. [Romans 5:8]
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If we turn away from our sins, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will have eternal life. [Romans 6:23]
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Tell God and others that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. You will be forever in relationship with God through Jesus Christ. [Romans 10:9-10] There are no special or religious formulas or rituals. Calling upon Jesus Christ as Lord of your life is it. [Romans 10:13]
If you decided for the first time today to make Jesus Lord of your life, praise God. If you would like to share that with me, send me an email at john@threadmatters.com. As you continue reading here, you will discover areas of life to focus on. Find a local church where you can worship God and enjoy fellowship with other followers of Jesus.
Growing Up in Jesus
After the cotton is harvested it is off to the gin for processing and transformation into usable material. Likewise, once a decision is made to submit to Jesus as Lord, the transformation of one’s life is just beginning. [Matthew 6:31-34] For our discussion here, we will focus on the following spiritual disciplines as building blocks of a transformed life.
Cleaning [Bible Study]
Dirt and pieces of the plant that are not usable are removed during cleaning. While studying the Bible, God’s Word, we begin to learn more of who God is and misunderstanding, along with extraneous or wrong information, is cleared up and removed. [1 Peter 2:1]
Ginning [Offerings]
During the ginning process, the lint is pulled through ribs narrow enough to remove the seeds for additional processing. The lint is the white, fluffy fiber used in making thread. Almost all of the plant is productively used.
God has given each of us charge over resources to take care of and steward. It is all God’s. He made it all. He entrusts us with the things, talents and time that we have. [1 Chronicles 29:11-15] Just as all of the parts of the cotton plant are used productively, we are to wisely put to use the resources we have. Our testing and validation of wise usage is not a comparison to how others around us are managing their resources, but how God is calling you to live your life.
Our quest of growth in Christ continues: once the lint has been ginned, it is sent to the textile mill for further processing.
Carding [Prayer]
The carding machines align the lint fibers into a thin web which is condensed into a rope-like strand. As we pray to God, we become more aligned with Him. Our relationship strengthens. We learn to hear Him and see Him in all of the things of life. [Daniel 6:10] Jesus spent much of His time on earth in prayer. What a great example for us to follow in prioritizing our time.
Spinning [Fasting]
Spinning machines draw out and twist the strand making it tighter and thinner until it reaches the desired thickness for weaving or knitting. We are drawn to God by avoiding physical distractions and focusing on Him. [Daniel 9:3; Isaiah 58:3-7] A time of raising awareness of the things of God, fasting is also a private discipline. [Matthew 6:16] Great joy can be found in a growing relationship with God through fasting.
Dying [Worship]
Yarn is dyed in various colors before being woven or knitted into cloth or is dyed after fabric is woven. This process permanenty marks the material with the desired image of the textile maker. As we worship our Lord, we enter into His presence praising Him. [Psalm 8; Psalm 35:18] With reverence and expectation, we are changed because of having spent time with Him. [2 Chronicles 7:3] We are transformed into what He desires for our life. [Romans 12:1-2]
Weaving [Fellowship of Saints]
Looms weave the yarn into fabric by interlacing lengthwise and crosswise yarns. Our lives are woven together as we interact with others. God made us for relationship – for relationship with Him and relationship with other people. [1 John 1:7] We live life in community with fellow believers, supporting and building up each other. [Ephesians 4:29] We also live in a world where our neighbors may not know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. Instead of living life with the attitude of trying to just fit in and experience what society says is desirable, we are to live in a way that attracts people to know more of what makes us different. [Matthew 5:13-17]
Serving Others in Jesus’ Name
Once the cotton lint has been transformed into woven material, a variety of products are made. The products we highlight here are representative of various characteristics we desire to develop and exhibit as we invest in other peoples’ lives. In this stage, we will focus the discussion on the relationship between a follower of Jesus that has a deeper, more mature relationship with God and a friend who is newer in the faith.
Blanket
A blanket provides warmth and a covering over someone. It is comforting when we share a shoulder with a friend during times of trials, challenges, changes and learning. Offering some thoughts and prayers for understanding how God is in all things and sharing personal experiences are ways we can wrap a blanket around a friend in need. The ultimate comforter, however, is the Holy Spirit. [John 14:16] Anything we do as a friend offering a blanket of comfort to another should be done in the Spirit.
Signs
Banners and signs deliver warning messages and are used to give guidance to travelers. God provides warnings for us as travelers along life’s highway. [Isaiah 18:3] If you have an opportunity to share your life with someone, it is helpful to be clear about consequences and results of decisions you made. While there may be resistance to wise counsel, we must continue to point to God’s word [Titus 2:11-14] with care, grace and mercy.
Tent
While we don’t use cotton tents or awnings much anymore, the picture does remind us of shelter that is offered to those needing protection from the elements. [Psalm 59:9] At times a cover of protection needs to be offered to a friend. This covering is exhibited through prayer, a word of encouragement, and sometimes over a cup of coffee with not a word spoken.
Clothes
The first thing God provided to Adam and Eve after leaving Eden was clothing. It is an essential part of life as we know it. We give away clothes to those in need. Clothes are a big part of everyone’s worries of life, whether it is not having any clothes, or it is not having the latest in fashion. [Matthew 6:25-30] It is my desire that we spend our time investing in people. When we invest in another person’s life, we are giving of ourselves to someone desiring to grow, sometimes simply knowing we have been obedient to our own calling. [Jude 1:1-3]
Rug
Floors covered with rugs provide additional support and comfort for our feet as we walk. As we journey together with others, we are to lend a helping hand of support. The one who has woven together in their lives more encounters, events and experiences is able to offer a friend the right word, at the right time, in the right way. [2 Timothy 4:2]
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service. www.esv.org.
