3      And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4     And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5      Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6      And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7      And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8     But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

He then explained this parable in the following verses of the same chapter:

18      Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19      When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20      But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21      Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22      He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23      But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Through this parable, Jesus Christ taught us a very important principle that seeds will bring forth fruits from good ground. Does our heart a good ground for the growth of the seed of faith? Does the teachings in Sunday School class, in quorums, in auxiliaries, even in ward/branch a good ground for members (seeds) to bring forth fruits in different folds?

Our living prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley emphasized the necessity of strengthening our new converts and less-active members in April Conference of 1999. He also gave his directions to us how to do it “Every convert needs three things: a friend, an assignment, and the nourishment by the good words of God. As a bishop/branch president, a leader of quorum/auxiliary, and a teacher of class, you should ensure to have these three elements as a good ground for those seeds under your care.

As a parent, your family is also a ground for the growth of seeds. How to make your home (the ground) good for your children (seeds) to bring forth fruit (a Christ-like life so that they will return to the presence of our Heavenly Father)? We can also follow the counsel of our living prophet that you can:

1.    Be a friend to children.
2.    Have everyone with assignment/responsibility at home to serve each other.
3.    Nourish children with the good words of God through daily family prayer, daily family scripture study, weekly family home evening and family council, weekly sacrament meeting attendance, monthly fast, making monthly tithing and other donations, and monthly temple attendance.

No matter we are parents of our family or our callings in Church, we have the same responsibility and mission that is to bring souls unto Christ. Let’s make our homes and Church units as good grounds for seeds to bring forth fruit.

Doctrine & Covenants 12:8-And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.