Matthew 13:7 – And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
Many Christians have good intentions and spiritual aspirations but they have too many weeds in their garden that choke out the word of God. They then therefore quit producing fruit for God.
The problem of the weeds is apparent. Weeds seemingly pop up overnight and if left alone will stop, stunt, and sterilize fruit bearing. They will steal all nutrients intended for the seed, and will make what used to be good ground, and garden of weeds.
We must therefore pinpoint the weeds in our personal gardens. They are called “thorns” because they come from a cursed ground (Gen. 3:18). Jesus interprets them as wealth, (“deceitfulness of riches”), worldliness (“pleasures of this life”), and worry (“care of this world”).
Wealth or the hope of wealth is deceptive because money can’t produce happiness. Worldliness doesn’t bring lasting satisfaction, only “pleasures for a season” (Heb. 11:25). And worry chokes out the word by making the problems of life a greater priority than worshiping Jesus Christ.
The solution to the problem of weeds is not revolutionary, but simple – pull the weeds! If you merely cut them they will come back. You must pull them up by the roots. You might even have to get on your knees to do it!
This will take vision. Remember what it was like when you didn’t have so many weeds and used to bear fruit. Or, think what it would be like to be free of weeds and closer to Jesus Christ! It will also take submission. You will have to be humble yourself and be obedient to the Lord. Finally, it will take a decision. Quit thinking about it and do it! Pull the weeds so the seed can sprout and bring forth fruit for the glory of God!
