Jesus told a story about a farmer planting seed. Some of the seed fell on the path and the birds ate it. Some fell on the rocks, and it could not take root, so it died. Some fell on thorns, and it couldn’t compete for resources, so it died. Some fell on good soil, so it was placed to bear lot of fruit. But what if it were never cared for? What if it were never watered, weeded or fertilized? There would not be as much fruit. The plant would not grow as well, or as healthy. Its ability to provide for itself would be diminished.
The story is, of course, about people responding to the gospel. Prepared hearts, open and ready to respond are vital. But care of the hearts is equally vital. How much of the church’s dysfunction could be averted by proper guidance? Loving, not overbearing, oversight? Personal attention by mature brothers and sisters?
There is not such oversight because there are wrong views about what spiritual guidance comprises, who is qualified to do it, and how people get qualified.
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