More Than a Story
“Shine Like the Sun”
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Landscaping in America
There are 649,131 landscaping companies in the US.
The most significant trend in landscaping is gardening: 18.3 million new gardeners.
Americans spent $176.5 billion on landscaping in 2023.
https://www.zippia.com/advice/landscaping-industry-statistics/
	
How does weed killer not kill the grass?
It targets “dicots” or broadleaf plants instead of “monocots” or grasses. 
Herbicides disrupt the growth hormone, which is essential for growth.
The selective 2,4-D mimics the growth hormone “auxin,” causing the weed to grow uncontrollably and kill itself.

How should we live in a culture that’s lost its way? 

“Shine like the sun.” –Jesus (Matthew 13:43)

Matthew 13:24-30

“Wait, what?” –Disciples (Matthew 13:36)

The Parable
The Sower = Jesus 
The Field = The World 
The Wheat = Followers of Jesus 
The Weeds = People who live for themselves 
The Enemy = The devil
The Harvest = The end of the world 
The Reapers = Angels 

God is in control; don’t get discouraged.

How do we live in the world?
Remember that God planted us.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” –Jesus, John 12:24

“… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” –Hebrews 12:1-2

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” –Galatians 2:20

How do we live in the world?
Stay rooted in truth, not trends.

We don’t need to act counter-cultural; we are counter-cultural

How do we live in the world?
Be patient; God’s justice will come.

Just because we are waiting doesn’t mean that evil wins. God’s delay isn’t denial.

How do we live in the world?
Don’t play judge; grow in grace, not gripe. 
“Shine like the sun.”

Discouragement fades when we trust that God is in control.