“The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the CARES and RICHES and PLEASURES of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
BUT the good soil represents honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s message, CLING TO IT, and steadily produce a huge harvest.” – Luke 8:14, 15
At this point in my life folks I’ve found it’s equally as important to know what I DON’T want to become, as it is to know what I DO want to become. Of course God knows this about me, so that’s why He threw these verses out at me a couple days ago. This simple explanation of a parable by Jesus shows me what I DON’T want to be AND at the same time it shows me what I DO want to be.
My friends, I’ve been the “thorny ground” for WAY too long in my life. NO MORE! I see it clear now! I see exactly what I DON’T want! I no longer want God’s words in my heart to be pushed out by my desire to be popular, or cool, or liked, or known, or whatever “cares” I may have. I never again want my pursuit for the “riches” and the “pleasures” of this life to take my focus off the Lord. It’d take a whole book to write about all the times I’ve walked away from God to pursue my own agenda.
THOSE DAYS ARE OVER! I’VE SEEN TOO MUCH THESE PAST FOUR MONTHS.
I will be, God willing, the “good soil.” My desire is to be that good-hearted man of integrity that clings tightly to Jesus and steadily produces a huge harvest. How will that look for me when I get back to the states? Great question, and I have no answer, but I trust the Lord will continue to direct my steps. So, as I get ready to head home these are some of the things that are bouncing around in my head.
I may not know exactly where I’m going at this moment, but at least I know where I ain’t ever gonna go again! And for now, that’s enough.
