The soil, or dirt as we call it, is where the “raw” nutrients are found that become food for the plant. The soil also provides a structure to support the roots and the plant. But dirt (soil), is not just dirt. “Soil types are categorized by the size and percentage of particles they contain. The three main types of soil by texture are clay, loamy, and sandy.” But there is more. All soils will have a pH. The pH “is a measure of soil’s acidity or alkalinity and is important in agriculture because it affects plant growth and nutrient availability.” Google

“Soil pH outside of the ideal range can lead to poor plant growth. For most plants, slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soil is ideal. At extreme pH levels, some nutrients become less available, while others, like aluminum and manganese, can become toxic to plants.” Google. In other words, the wrong pH can cause the plant to starve to death.

Jesus gave us a lesson straight from the farm in Matthew 13:3-9, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

This lesson left the disciples confused, so Jesus explained the Lesson From the Farm further in Matthew 13:18-23, “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

The soil is our heart. Soil/Hearts with a high pH, (critical, harsh & bitter) or Soil/Hearts with a low pH (cold & indifferent) will not bear the fruit of their potential. Being fruitful is not an option with Jesus, it is a command. In John 15:1, Jesus gives us a clear Lesson From the Farm. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Paul provides us with how to have a perfect Soil/Heart in Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Having the heart & mind of Christ is the perfect pH for our lives.

Have you tested your soil/heart? Are you hearing His whispers to your heart? Draw closer to Jesus…He is the Perfect Farmer. Pray for the Holy Spirit to, “Show me Your Ways, Teach me Your Paths and Guide me in Your Truth and Teach me, for You are God my Savior and my Hope is in You all day long.” Psalm 25:4,5