In Luke 8:14 I read, “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature." (NIV)
I can’t hear God if my mind is crowded with other thoughts or concerns, particularly worries, plans, and activities. If I’m always listening to the radio or watching tv, it’s difficult to hear God when he calls. To hear God, I’ll need to eliminate distractions.
Jesus says in Luke 8:7, “Some other seeds fell where thorn bushes grew up and choked the plants” (CEV).
In this story Jesus tells, seeds are planted and begin to grow, but the seeds are in weed-infested soil. So, as the plant grows, the weeds grow around it and choke out the life of the plant, and it never bears fruit.
Here’s what Jesus says is the meaning of Luke 8:7: “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature” (Luke 8:14 NIV).
Three things can choke spiritual growth in my life and keep me from hearing God:
Worry. Worries are weeds. When I’m preoccupied with the problems and pressures of daily living, it’s harder to hear God.
Riches. Am I so busy making a living that I don’t make a life? Working to pay bills for things I don’t need, to get out of unnecessary debt, or to make more money than I actually need can stunt my spiritual growth.
Pleasure. There’s nothing wrong with pleasure, but be careful that I don’t become so busy pursuing fun that I miss God and his plans for my life.
The truth about weeds is that I don’t have to cultivate them. They grow automatically. In fact, weeds are a sign of neglect. If I see weeds in my yard or garden, it means I’m not tending it.
It’s the same with my spiritual life. The weeds in my spiritual life show that I’m neglecting time with God.
Continue to spend time each day tending to my spiritual garden. Pluck out the weeds as soon as they appear so they don’t take over the good work God wants to do with me.
In summary, seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. I can’t hear God if my mind is crowded with other thoughts or concerns, particularly worries, plans, and activities. If I’m always listening to the radio or watching tv, it’s difficult to hear God. To hear, eliminate distractions. In this story, seeds are planted and begin to grow, but in weed-infested soil. As the plant grows, the weeds grow around it and choke out life, and it never bears fruit. Three things can choke spiritual growth and keep me from hearing God: Worry. Worries are weeds. When I’m preoccupied with the problems and pressures of daily living, it’s harder to hear God. Riches. Am I so busy making a living that I don’t make a life? Pleasure. Be Careful that I don’t become so busy pursuing fun that I miss God and his plans. The truth about weeds is that I don’t have to cultivate them. They grow automatically. Weeds are a sign of neglect. If I see weeds it means I’m not tending it. It’s the same with my spiritual life. The weeds in my spiritual life show that I’m neglecting time with God. So I need to continue to spend time each day tending to my spiritual garden. Pluck out the weeds as soon as they appear so they don’t take over the good work God wants to do.
It's the "thorn patch" people, overcome by worries and the lure of materialism, leave no room in their lives for God.
Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me.
Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.
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