We sow, that we may reap. However, prior to them both, there is the cultivation. When used in an agricultural scenario; “to prepare land to grow something.” It can also be said that we nurture the land and cause growth. The cultivation process consists of loosening or breaking up soil to promote and improve the growth of plants. By breaking up the soil, we are preparing the land for sowing of seed. The proper preparation foster’s the growth, which enhances the harvest.
Whether literally, figuratively, or spiritually speaking, the same is true of cultivating. To be nurtured makes us refined in manners and taste. Our genes or nature, also too, contributes to our development. As people, our growth is influenced by both genes, (Nature) and socialization, (Nurture). There are environmental influences and our genetic makeup; that both contribute to human development and behavior. So nature and nurture both contribute and play a role in who we become, and when communities of people agree in the same cultivating process, it becomes a culture.
It has been written that a “peasant who cultivates the land becomes its owner.” Taking care to cultivate or prepare our young, will nurture them into becoming discriminating human beings. Furthermore, teaching or cultivating them in proper biblical doctrine guards against Satan becoming their owner.
Prepare our children in a disciplined spirit of love, kindness, and gratitude, because it can be cultivated. When we teach them in the way they should go, based on the Word of God, we ensure that no other influences can transfer their ownership away from God in heaven.
Psalm 104:14
14 “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth:”
Jeremiah 13:21
21 “What will you say when the Lord sets over you those you cultivated as your special allies? Will not pain grip you like that of a woman in labor?”
Ezekiel 36:34
34 “The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it.”
Romans 11:24
24 “After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!”
Job 36:10
10 “He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.”
Acts 24:3
3 “Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.”
Colossians 3:16
16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”