Devotion
“We plant, God makes things grow”
1 Corinthians 3:6–7 · By Rev. Anthony Phiri
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”
1 Corinthians 3:6–7
Grace and peace to you.
A wise farmer does not plant maize in the dry season. He first clears the field, tills the soil, selects good seed, and waits for the rains. After planting, he weeds, protects, and watches. Yet after all his labor, the farmer cannot force the seed to sprout. He goes to bed not knowing what the yield will be. He trusts the sun, the rain, and the soil—things beyond his control.
That is exactly the picture Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 3. The church in Corinth was comparing teachers. “I follow Paul.” “I follow Apollos.” They were measuring human workers as if the harvest depended on personality or eloquence.
Paul corrects them. “I planted.” That was my season. I came first with the Gospel. “Apollos watered.” That was his season. He came after to nurture and instruct. But Paul says plainly: neither the planter nor the waterer is the reason for growth.
Who is? God. God alone opens hearts. God alone causes faith to take root. God alone brings the harvest.
Brothers who teach in our seminaries and colleges, this text speaks directly to us. We prepare our lectures. We research. We pray over our devotions. We mentor students late into the evening. We model pastoral life and correct doctrine. We do the work of “planting” and “watering.”
But we must remember: we cannot manufacture faith. We can present Christ clearly, but only the Holy Spirit can make a student’s heart new. We can teach homiletics, but only God can make a preacher faithful. We can train in counseling, but only God can make a pastor compassionate.
This truth does two things in us:
- It humbles us. We are co-workers, not owners of the harvest.
- It frees us. We are not responsible for results, only for faithfulness.
God is still growing His Church
The same Lord who worked in Corinth is working in Lutheran seminaries today. As we teach, preach, and disciple, God is adding to His Church. Souls are being gathered. Future pastors are being formed not because of our skill, but because God is at work.
Christ gave us the same mandate in Matthew 28:19–20: “Go and make disciples… and behold, I am with you always.” We go. We teach. We plant. We water. And Christ Himself cares for and saves.
May we serve with diligence and without pride. May we trust God with the growth we cannot see yet. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide every class, every lecture, and every conversation, that Christ alone would be formed in those we teach. Amen.
Prayer
Almighty and Gracious Father,
We bow before You in gratitude, knowing that every seed we plant and every effort we make in Your vineyard finds its life and power in You alone. As it is written, we may plant and others may water, but it is You, O God, who brings the growth.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the greatest act of love—that You willingly laid down Your life on the cross to save us. Through Your sacrifice, You redeemed us from sin and gave us new life. It is because of Your death and resurrection that the seed of the Gospel has life, and that our labor in You is not in vain.
Teach us to serve faithfully without seeking recognition, knowing that the results belong to You. Remove pride from our hearts when we see fruit; remove discouragement when we do not. Help us to labor together in unity—planting, watering, and trusting You for the harvest.
May our lives, our ministry, and our church reflect the selfless love of Christ who gave Himself for us. Let every life transformed, every soul saved, and every work that prospers bring glory only to Your name, for You are the One who makes all things grow.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.
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