Most of us are familiar with the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-10. The explanation of this parable is in Matthew 13:18-23. These scriptures explain that this parable is about the message of the Kingdom of God. This message is represented by the seed sown in different places; some by the wayside, some on stony ground, some among thorns. But when the seed is sown in good (fertile, rich) soil, it produces a good yield.

We all want the seed we sow to fall on fertile soil. One of the most logical places we can look for fertile soil is right under our noses. We have the opportunity to sow in fertile soil when we teach God's way of life to children, especially our children and grandchildren. Their minds have not yet been clogged with the thorny, stony ways of the world. If we can start teaching them while they're young, good crops should be produced when the seed comes to fruition.

As we nourish them physically and emotionally, we should also be sure they are nourished spiritually. By teaching and training them in God's Word, we are sowing spiritual seed in their lives. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).

Look at children as a field of good rich soil. The soil has been prepared and is ready for the seed to be planted. You plant the seed by teaching them God's Word and water them by loving them, setting the right example and helping them make the right choices as they grow up. Just as you take care of all their physical needs, you should also be sure that they know they are loved and cared for.

Help them to be nourished spiritually by taking every opportunity to teach and train them in God's laws. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

God's commandments and laws should be so ingrained in our children that when they leave their home and go out into the world, God's Word will go with them. Remember, we plant the seed, water and nourish it, but it's God who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

Pray for your children that, as you plant the seed, God will increase their understanding in His ways and that, as they grow up, they will produce a good yield in their lives.