"Now the one sown among the thorns — this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the seduction of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Matthew 13:22 HCSB).
We are living in a time when all things in this world are seriously calling for attention. All the people in this world are driven in a particular direction by one thing or another. These forces are the cares of this world_ the systems, patterns, achievements and wealth of this world. And it's vital for us to understand that whatever you pay attention to will reflect in your life either in the short or long run.
The Word of God is given unto us to propel and guide us in the right course. This Word of God is what grants us the salvation we require. Jesus Christ gave a parable of a sower that went to sow, some seeds fell along the path, some on the rocky ground, some on thorns and some on the good soil. Of all the four types of ground mentioned by Jesus Christ, only one was productive. The Word of God produced results only on the good ground.
These grounds mentioned by Jesus Christ are the heart of men where the seeds were sewn. The Word of God actually got into the heart of the hearers but it did not end up staying, except the Word which landed on the good heart.
I want to focus on the third kind of ground_ the thorny ground. Jesus Christ told us what happened to people in that category saying,
"Now the one sown among the thorns — this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the seduction of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Matthew 13:22 HCSB).
The WORRIES OF THIS AGE and the SEDUCTION OF WEALTH choke the Word even though the Word of God got into their heart with all rejoicing. Yet it produced nothing because it was choked. That's why I'm not really moved when the Word of God comes and people seem to be so rejoicing. [Now I'm not saying that no one should rejoice at God's Word; it's good to rejoice at God's Word] (Psalm 119:162). But that is not the guarantee that you will experience the efficacy of God's Word because that Word you receive can be eventually choked up if it's not understood. These cares of the world have immensely hindered many in their walk with God.
Get an understanding of God's Word as it is ministered and the Word will be productive. And nothing will able to choke the Word. No business, education, work, wealth or devil can stop God's Word in you from producing what it talks about once you understand it. Praise God forevermore!
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