Jesus told a story…
“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.” (Mark 4:14-20)
It seems that Jesus is wanting his followers to think about what type of seed they are? It appears that the Son of God is asking us to do some self-reflection. What are you doing with the Word that was planted in your heart?
I’ve often thought about this parable throughout my lifetime. I have been able to think about each of those seeds mentioned and can attach names of friends, acquaintances, and even self to the different types of seed. I am not sure that it is bad to do this… yet I think it’s incredibly important to make sure that I am accurately identifying myself. You see, from what I can tell, the seed that was planted in each of us is the same seed. There is no indication that the farmer is sowing a variety of seeds. Instead, the only thing that seems to make an impact on the outcome of the seed is the type of soil that the seed is placed in.
So what is the state of the soil of my heart?
Am I taking the word of God and studying it? Am I focusing on all the things necessary for my faith and understanding in God’s word to grow deep roots in my heart and mind? If I am not, this faith is not unlike shallow soil. It lacks depth. It will not produce. It will easily wither and die. If any problems arise, or if anyone begins to attack me for my beliefs – I’m out. I compromise. I deny or alter the truth. Perhaps out of ignorance and not really knowing what is true – or perhaps because I care more about being “kind” than being holy? Fitting in is more important than being set apart. Maybe I believe that God could and should have protected me from things that have happened to me or my loved ones…. so my faith, or lack of it, is determined by what I think is right and what I think God should be doing or not doing.
Am I so consumed by the things of this world – the thorns of sin and temptation – that I am easily ensnared and prevented from spiritual growth and development? Do worries consume me? Am I so focused on what could happen and perhaps even what is happening that I forget to focus on the One who has the power to overcome? Cares of the world consume me. My hunger and thirst aren’t for the Living Waters of God, but rather for the wealth, power, and status this world promises/offers. Maybe I do believe that God’s word is important – but it’s not really important enough to become a priority – or certainly not my highest priority. Self is first… then if there’s room – perhaps God comes next.
We don’t have to be – nor does God want us to be men and women like that soil. No. God has something better for us. Those soils all have something in common – no fruit. God desires for our lives to be fruitful. He wants our lives to be transformed. He desires for us to be growing in our understanding of who He is and increase in our love and affection for Him. He plans for our lives to be different – to shine brightly and be a witness for Him and His character. He knows that a person who is completely sold out for Him – with a life that has been transformed by Him – attracts others to Him.
So what state is the soil in your heart? What type of seed will you be? Truly, God gives us the ability to choose. And maybe you haven’t allowed yourself to be fertile soil – perhaps you have been living as the shallow, rocky soil…. Friend, I’ve got good news. It’s not too late to change. Let God’s word grow deep roots within you. Do that which you know grows your understanding and affection of Him. Make God your primary focus. Seek Him above all else. Run after the fruitful godly life.
LORD, soften and cultivate the soil of our hearts so that we can truly embrace the seed you have planted within us. We know that we can easily be led astray and focus on the wrong things. Keep our eyes locked on you. Help us to desire that which you desire. Help us to trust your leading and your faithfulness, regardless of life’s twists and turns. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings.