A hoe is an instrument composed by a plate of metal almost like a square, fixed on a long handle which serves to dig the ground. The person working with a hoe is obligated to pull it in his direction.
 
There are believers who hear the sermon like hoes. I would say: Holy Hoes. They receive the message of God as if it was exclusively for them. They try to apply the message directly to their hearts. They are believers who prepare their hearts to receive the seed of the Word of God, believers who want the powerful Lord’s grace bearing fruits in their lives. When these people are converted from their sins, they try to take it to the Throne of Forgiveness, seeking for divine grace. Their only preoccupation is to examine their lives and submit to the Holy Spirit. They are Hoe Believers.
 
A shovel is an instrument of wood, metal or plastic, with a handle and borders, used to get, carry and throw away the garbage. It is made to collect duty and transfer it to another place. There are believers who hear the sermon as shovels. They apply the message to other people’s lives. They pour out the lesson on the first person that they think: “Oh, this message is for so-and-so”. Or: “Such-and-such needs to hear this”. “Surely, it was directed to the hypocrite by my side or to the cynic person over there”. This way, they carry the message to every place but to their hearts. Shovel Believers.
 
Today, and always, before hearing the message of God, bow your head and pray: “God, apply this message to my heart.” Maybe, after experiencing the Holy Spirit’s touch, other people will be attracted to Christ because of your example.

Have you been a Shovel or a Hoe?

Pr. Renato Cordeiro