Stunted from Maturity

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This week we'll be focusing on "their fruit does not mature." A review of the two prior posts and an explanation of some aspects of gardening/farming will help many of us grasp how the thorny soil choking the growing seeds parallels the cares, riches and pleasures of life stunting the word of God from maturing in us.

The word that I think best summarizes what stunts people from maturing in the word of God is — competition. Like thorns that many people consider to be weeds on a plot of land that fight for resources (i.e. soil nutrients, light, and water), the cares, riches and pleasures of life steal our focus from diving deeper into not only hearing the word of God, but to truly understanding and being transformed through Biblical study and relationship with the Almighty and other people.

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it…And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those 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.

-Luke 8:7, 14 (ESV)

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Consider how we let cares, riches and pleasures become anxieties that we feel we must handle on our own. By doing this, we neglect developing a relationship with Jesus Christ, acknowledging our dependence on the Lord in ALL that we do. As stated in 1 Peter 5:6-8 (ESV), "[h]umble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." This is further explained and emphasized in the Gospel of Luke, do not be anxious about anything, for if you "seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." (Luke 12:22-34(ESV)).

I'll be honest here. My heart usually fluctuates between this analogous thorny soil and the last type of soil, depending on who I rely upon in this competition of my resources – myself or God. My goal is to become more Christ-like and more dependent on the leading of the Lord in spirit and in truth. I have to choose each day (sometimes multiple times in a day) to pick up my cross and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV)).

Now, what about you? Does your heart struggle between the types of soil? Why? What situations make it difficult to believe that God is there beside you wanting to care for and help you? Why is it difficult for you to submit and humble yourself?