“And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.” – Luke 8:14
Of the four soils described in Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, this is probably the one that’s most tricky for professing Christians to avoid or escape in our busy modern world. Many who attend churches are in this situation. They believe something about Jesus. They like Him. Admire Him. Enjoy church. And yet…
The busyness of their lives precludes them from genuinely following and obeying Jesus… The plenty they enjoy or dream about enjoying one day keeps them so focused on career advancement, hustles and side hustles, and keeping up with the lifestyles they see on social media that they can’t and won’t take up their cross daily to follow Jesus… The stressful, exhausting delights of houses, cars, hobbies, entertainment, or experiences drives their hopes and dreams rather than a deeper walk with Jesus.
Many Christians in our country are living in thorny soil. They treat Jesus as one good thing among many. He is NOT the Lord of their lives. Jesus is often the first thing to get cut when kids have activities, when work calls, or when money runs short. Worship is viewed as enjoyable but optional. There just never seems to be enough time to read the Bible or pray. Meanwhile, studying the Bible with other believers is perpetually something to be done “some day”.
If any of this sounds familiar in your own life, stop living in thorny soil! Stop trying to go on your own way or in the way of the world. Stop living a life in Christ that is choked off by the stresses, cares, delights, and ambitions of the world. Radically change your priorities. Make sacrifices to go deeper in Christ. #FollowJesus