In the previous devotional I shared some words about the Parable of the Sower in Luke 8.

A sower sows some seed—which, Jesus indicates, is a metaphor for the word of God. Ideally, the seed lands on receptive soil. 

But there are a few situations which don’t work out. One is where the seed “fell among the thorns.” These are the people “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” (verse 14).

Let’s take a closer look.

The problem is that some people are “choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life.” In this context, “cares” are the day-to-day worries and distractions. You’re right, they’re a part of life. But this issue is when you get so wrapped up in them that you neglect more important things of an eternal nature.

“Riches” are, well, riches. Money and material things have the power to compete with God for your ultimate loyalty. 

The “pleasures of life” can be good—sometimes. The problem is when you start to think and act as if pleasure-seeking is the point of life. “Always do whatever makes you happy.” Yikes.

Jesus says that when people begin to centre their lives around these sorts of things, “their fruit does not mature.” In other words, the word of God doesn’t keep growing, and they don’t mature to the point of loving and serving others. How could they when they are continually distracted, pursuing materialist goals, and engaged in non-stop pleasure-seeking? 

Jesus is teaching us to centre our lives on God. This enables us to grow in Christlikeness and be his hands and feet in a way which blesses others.

Here’s a simple thing you can do to honestly assess where you’re at. Look at your schedule. Is your relationship with God something you try to tuck in around the edges? Or is it something you prioritize?

If you’re not where you need to be, don’t stress it. Just be honest, pray for God’s help, and start to make a change. 

When God is steering the ship, windstorms and distractions are less likely to blow you off course.

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Notes and extra content:

–“I can smell the hands of fishermen.” Sermon. June 2, 2024. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.