SOIL IS LIVING BUT DIRT IS DEAD

SOIL IS LIVING BUT DIRT IS DEAD

Soil is living, but dirt is dead. Why is that?

Last week I talked about how the “dirt” in our lives can be turned to “soil” that produces growth. In other words, we can turn our negatives into positives.

See my last blog, Is “Dirt” in Your Future?

I also talked about the difference between soil and dirt and the spiritual parallels I discovered when I read the following article: The Difference Between Soil and Dirt

To recap, we must learn the principles that turn our negatives into positives. We can change dead dirt into living soil.

SOIL IS AN ORGANIZED ECOSYSTEM

Soil is an organized ecosystem. It contains worms, fungi, insects, bacteria, and organic matter. Different sized particles such as clay, sand, and silt provide texture and give the soil structure. Diverse organisms work together in a delicate balance to activate the soil.

Dirt, on the other hand, lacks topsoil, humus, worms and fungi. It has no texture or structure and therefore won’t compact when wet. This results in run-off and erosion.

An old dirt road gives us a picture of what dirt looks like. It lacks the necessary nutrients to support life. In other words, it’s just plain dead.

WE ARE AN ECOSYSTEM

I picture each of us as an ecosystem. The human body has diverse parts that work together to function as an active living being, similar to an ecosystem. Each body part is unique, designed with a specific function in mind. This comparison applies also to the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Using an ecosystem as an analogy, here’s what God says about you:

1. He created you with a purpose. You weren’t born by accident. You are part of God’s plan.
2. You possesses unique gifts designed by our Creator to bring forth His kingdom on earth.
3. Your talents are used to help others within a family or community.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OUR ECOSYSTEM IS DISRUPTED?

So, what can disrupt our “ecosystem?” Something erodes the “balance” in our lives. For example, we experience trauma in many forms. Just like a flood or landslide can wash away topsoil from a farm, rejection, betrayal, or criticism can wear away our faith in God and we forget who He created us to be. We start wallowing in the dirt of anger, hatred, or unforgiveness.

HOW TO MAKE A TOXIC ENVIRONMENT LIFE-GIVING

How can we change a toxic mindset? Again using dirt as our example, we must add nutrients to restore it back to viable soil.

You’ve probably heard of composting and maybe done it yourself. The backyard gardener creates compost by making a pile of organic matter such as leaves and plant-based food scraps. Under the right conditions, these will break down to produce soil. However, if we just “bury” negative emotions they become rocks of “bitterness” and “offense.” Instead, we must expose them to an environment where they can be broken down into something useful.

A WELL-BALANCE ECOSYSTEM IS LIKE A LOVING RELATIONSHIP

A well-balanced ecosystem is like a loving relationship.

Getting back to my analogy about the body, when it receives life-giving nutrition it thrives.  What kind of “food” do we require spiritually and emotionally? Let’s look at some of these:

1. unconditional love
   1. We bloom when we are loved and accepted for who we are.
   2. Jesus loved and accepted us the way we are when He went to the cross to pay for our sins..
2. meaningful relationships
   1. Developing friendships is more important than completing projects. . We can provide food and shelter for our families, but spending time with them is a more important ingredient.
   2. The same holds true of our relationship with Jesus. Often we do things for Jesus in order to please Him, but first and foremost He desires our fellowship and worship.

A healthy body also is designed to properly eliminate waste. When we have loving relationships where we feel secure, we can properly process toxic emotions. We feel safe in an environment where others will listen without judging. When we know Jesus loves us unconditionally, we won’t be afraid to lay our our feelings at His feet. We know he doesn’t judge us, but rather, takes our anxious burdens from us. Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Experiences and emotions that are properly “composted”can become life lessons. The wisdom we gain from them “fertilizes” our future and helps us to grow.

Next week I will cover more on how to change our “dirt” into “soil.” Meanwhile, what other things can you think of that help us grow in mind, body, and spirit? We are just scratching the surface!

Let’s grow together!