You see people who are strong in the faith moving in powerful manifestations of the gifts I give. You admire this and rightly so. These are like beautiful blossoms of mature plants. Yet plants have roots in the earth. In a parallel to the imagery of the body, these are the less comely members.
Yet they must precede the visible foliage and are the source of strength, stability, and nourishment. In the parable of the sower and the seed I describe plants that grow up quickly but wither because they have no root. You can be confident that those who serve me visibly and effectively have endured the discipline necessary to have deep roots in me.
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