Overcrowding

In addition to rocks, there are a lot of weeds in Israel, and weeds hinder the growth of seeds. In the parable of the sower, Jesus talked about seeds that fell among thorns, and immediately the thorns choked them out.

Then Jesus said, “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22 NKJV).

This describes someone who seems to be growing spiritually, but they gradually walk away because other things become more important. It isn’t bad things necessarily, but it’s the worries of this life, the concerns of this life, that take priority.

There’s nothing wrong with being concerned about putting food on the table or a roof over your head. There’s nothing wrong with thinking about the needs and necessities of life. But Jesus was describing someone who allows those things to become more important than God.

They believe it’s good to read the Bible, to pray, and go to church. It’s just that they don’t do it. It’s a choice they’re making. As someone has pointed out, “The second best can often be the worst enemy of the best.”

Jesus also said that “the deceitfulness of riches” choke the word. In 1 Timothy 6, we find an interesting verse about wealth: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (verse 10 NKJV, emphasis added). You decide what money will be in your life.

A thorn, or a weed, is anything that crowds Jesus out of our lives. So don’t make your life about those things. Make Christ your primary focus instead.