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Answer Lies in the Soil
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the strength and power of the Lord. Selfinterest continues to remain
the active principle of life. There can be intellectual conviction,
superficiality of action, but no true heart conviction, which means it
soon comes to nothing.
Remember Matthew’s reaction to hearing the words of Jesus?
He considered the invitation, counted the cost, and, without delay,
got up, left everything, and followed Him. But the seed that falls in
“rocky places” represents those who act rashly. They don’t count
the cost; they act impulsively. They don’t make a full commitment
to the Lord Jesus or to living the life He offers. They are content
to live with external appearances without making changes in their
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destructive habit patterns
And the hot summer sun that strengthens and ripens healthy
plants destroys plants that have no root system. Some people accept
the gospel as a way out of personal difficulties rather than as a deliv-
erance from sin. They’re happy for a time thinking that religion will
solve their problems. And as long as life moves along smoothly, they
appear to be consistent Christians. But they faint when confronted
by the first fiery temptation
Love is the principle of God’s government, and it must be the
foundation of a Christian’s character. Nothing else can give us the
strength to overcome trial and temptation
And that love is revealed
in sacrifice. The plan of redemption was born in sacrifice, and God’s
loving sacrifice is immeasurable. Jesus gave all for us, and those
who receive Him will be ready to sacrifice all for Him.
Jesus says, “Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew
up and choked them.”
Matthew 13:7
. You can’t grow a crop of wheat
among weeds and thorns. And the seeds of God’s love can thrive
only when what otherwise “grows naturally” is rooted out, allowing
God’s grace to be the active principle in your life. As long as the
Holy Spirit is allowed to work, our characters will be refined, and
we will find the strength to weed out the habits that are in opposition
to God’s will. Accepting Jesus must be followed by modeling Him.
It’s a process the Bible calls sanctification. The two must always go
together.
Jesus was quite specific in naming the factors that can keep us
from growing in Him. One factor He identified as “the cares of
the world.” This applies to all people, no matter what their social
