The third type of soil that the seed lands on is soil that is filled with thorns, Jesus said it like this; Matthew 13v7: “…Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them…” and then Jesus explains what it mean; Matthew13v22: “…As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful…” So what is Jesus teaching us here, let’s dig down and see.

This seed landed on soil that already had other seed in it, thorn seeds. As the good seed began to grow up, the thorns just took over, they used all the nutrients, they absorbed all the sunlight, and slowly the good seed began to whither and die. In this parable the thorns represent the things that the world offers us, money, status, fames, etc, etc. What happens to this plant can so easily happen to any one of us, whether we are rich or poor, satan loves to tempt us with the things of this world, to try and slowly draw us away from our relationship with Jesus. This is possibly one of the most difficult soils for us to see within ourselves, so lets ask; “In what way am I like this soil?”

Why is this so difficult for us to see happen to us? Primarily because it is something that happens slowly, and the way in which it happens. There is nothing wrong with having things in and of themselves, it isn’t sinful to be wealthy, fame isn’t evil, but it is our attitude towards these things that draw us away from Jesus.  The seed in the thorny soil is perhaps best illustrated by Jesus talking with the rich young ruler, check out Luke 18v18→23. This guy had it made, he was wealthy, he had status, he was famous, and he was religious; but he valued his wealth above his relationship with God, and at the end of the discussion he walked away sad.

What do you value the most, do you love Jesus more than you love your money, do you love Jesus more than you love your stuff, do you love Jesus more than anything else? The chances are that you said yes to this; then here is the question: What do you think about the most? Do you think more about other things than you do about Jesus? The Bible tells us that where our treasure is there our heart will be also. Are you the seed among the thorns; if Jesus asked you to give up all your stuff and follow Him, would you do it, or would you walk away sad?

Related Posts

1. Parable of the Sower – The Hard Soil
2. Parable of the Sower – The Good Soil
3. Parable of the Sower – The Rocky Soil

We are all ambitious people!

There is a desire that drives us everyday to achieve something, to finish a project, get a degree, build a home, start a family, retire wealthy, buy a  4×4, help someone in need, volunteer at a children’s home, work in the church, become a missionary, devote ourselves to a religion.

That something is ambition and we all have it. In fact, when someone has no purpose, or is in a situation where they cannot realise their amibitions they often become depressed and demotivated.

What is ambition?
Ambition is the one things inside of us that drives us and motivates us to realise the thing that are important to us. In other words ambition leads us to a purpose – ambition directs our lives.

Success and treasure!
As your ambition directs your life, you will experience success, and every now and then you will experience a few failures too.

With success you will gain the rewards for your success. Your failures will give you opportunities to learn so that you can be more successful  in the future and become more successful. Bringing more rewards your way. These rewards are so precious to us as individuals because they were gained by the fulfilling the dreams and ambitions we have. This is why Jesus says in Matthew 6:21 “For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also!”

You see, your heart is directly attached to anything that you feel is important. No one else needs to agree in the importance of something you value. If you feel it is valuable it will be close to your heart.

Your treasure is the fruit of your worship
Your treasure is the fruit of your hard work, your time, your passion, your belief, your ideals, your morals and everything that shaped your ambitions in the first place
Worship is a natural reaction that exists in every person – whether they know God or not. It is our natural reaction to whatever we hold most dear to our hearts

Paul Washer explains worship with this analogy: A man is so mesmerized by what he is looking at, that the moment you look at him – you stop looking at him and you start looking at what he’s looking at. Here is the video:

What are you searching for most in your life? Chances are that you are focused intently on it, you talk about it, you read about it, you talk to it, you can’t get enough of it.  More importantly, you experience so much joy and happiness when are focused on it, using it, living it and loving it.

Please read Matthew 6: 19-24 and ask yourself these questions over the next week:

1) Is my treasure eternal or are my ambitions leading me towards treasures on earth?

2) Does your treasure offer everlasting joy? (Psalm 37:4)

Related Posts

1. Worship follows complete satisfaction in Christ
2. Imagine your heart is big storage room!
3. Knowing that Christ is your desire