Striving to Not be Thorny

Scripture: The seed among the thorns represents those who listen and believe God’s words but whose faith afterwards is choked out by worry and riches and the responsibilities and pleasures of life. And so they are never able to help anyone else to believe the Good News. Luke 8:14

Observation: The parable of sowing the seed is well understood, as Jesus himself breaks down the 'issues' involving four kinds of soil. The path involves those who reject Jesus; The rocks are those who listen but ultimately turn away from faith; The thorns are believers however they allow the world to overmatch their faith; The good soil are believers who live a Christian life.

Every Christian would say they want to be "good soil". However, many are thorns. Within the current situations, the worry of life overwhelms them ... in the modern US, their work in pursuit of riches becomes their life's mission ... in hectic modern times, secular responsibilities pervade everything ... in a world with so much at our fingertips, earthly pleasures actively vie for attention. We are at the point where the belief described as thorny soil is closer to the Christian norm.

Application: I am fearful that I may again become thorny soil as I once was. I spend days focused on my work, and I often lose sight of the fact that the good things of this world are blessing from God, and not simply the results of my work. I enjoy earthly pursuits, and while I know the enjoyment is not wrong, the attitude by which I pursue them - through my own work and worry and pride - is a real problem.

Jesus is clear that, if I continue in this vein, my influence in the kingdom will be nothing ... I will never be able to help others believe in Jesus. However, if I openly live my life with the right understanding that Jesus is my savior - and not just that understanding, but exhibiting it to others - I will have a role in God's plan. It is for this attitude I strive. I don't want to be thorny.

Prayer: Lord, again today I ask, please give the heart to exhibit your love to others today, not just in overt ways, but in every thought and attitude and action I take. I know my earthly work is only a means to position me to do your will. I know my success is a lie, and anything I have is yours alone, and you have graciously allowed me to enjoy it for a time. May I be good soil, multiplying your good news to others. Amen.