3 . Weed / Cultivate
Weeding and pruning may not be fun , but they are necessary and essential activities of maintaining a healthy garden . Believers should be open to correction and regularly examine where they might be allowing unhealthy patterns to crowd out a life of righteousness and peace in our lives and within the Kingdom . Sin must be both uprooted and eliminated .
Paul encouraged Timothy to , “ proclaim the Word ! Be ready when it is convenient or inconvenient . Confront , rebuke , encourage — with complete patience and instruction .” ( 2 Timothy 4:2 TLV ) and to " correct those who continue sinning in the presence of everyone , so that the rest also may fear .” ( 1 Timothy 5:20 TLV )
It is the Spirit that restores the heart , which then transforms the mind . This will radically shift the character of a community . When a mind is realigned through the Holy Spirit , we naturally desire to do God ’ s will . “ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh , but those who live according to the Ruach set their minds on the things of the Ruach . For the mindset of the flesh is death , but the mindset of the Ruach is life and shalom .” Romans 8:5-6 TLV
Leaders are also required to protect the flock . One of the ways leaders provide safety is by weeding out those that cause division or those who continue to influence others to stumble .
4 . Harvest
A farmer can do everything right , even up until the point when the fruit is ripe for plucking . But if they do not actively engage in the work of the harvest , all that he worked for would be left to spoil . So healthy communities are effective in activating evangelism among its members .
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