In 2009, Heinz made what the company is calling the first major change in the ketchup label since the 1940s by replacing the pickle that has long appeared under the words “tomato ketchup” with a tomato, still on the vine, above a new phrase, “Grown not made.” The company asserts that this new slogan signals that Heinz ketchup is “real, it’s grown, it’s natural, it’s fresh.”
Do you realize how much in our spiritual activities MUST fit within the framework of this slogan? If we are not careful, we approach our areas of influence with the mind set of a manufacturer instead of a farmer.
What areas need transformation from “making” to “growing”?
- A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is grown not made.
I Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
- A Christian home is grown not made.
I Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Ep 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
- A local church is grown not made.
Ep 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
- An eternal harvest is grown not made.
Ga 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
I would submit to you that much of our modern spiritual “product” is highly processed with unproductive and unhealthy additives that have no place in a vibrant relationship with the Lord. Where are believers, homes, churches, and harvest that are characterized by the fresh, divinely-saturated abundance that only the God of all grace can grow? Throw out the robotic routine in your personal spiritual disciplines. Reject the highly manipulative techniques of family psychology. Discard the manufactured product in your church. Retire the prosperity gospel that misses the eternal rewards only God can give.
It is my prayer that you will join me in moving away from a manual product and toward a supernaturally-infused, “organic” growth that is not simply for an increased ketchup market share but to glorify the life-giving,powerful, and multiplying God of eternity.
Jn 14:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
In preparation for a follow up post, why do you think we to try to “make” what only God can “grow”?
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