“And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19).
We all want what we want. We are driven by as many motives as there are people in this world. It is sinful anarchy. Too many things are able to choke out the faith which we have been given unless we surrender to the Lord knowing that He is who must be the author and finisher of our faith. The Lord will raise up those who are born in the mire of this world to bear fruit befitting the kingdom of God.
Lord, You know where I fall short. You know the places where the temptations of this world get in the way of my living the life which You have given me through faith. I am conditional, but Your love is unconditional. Guide me so that I do not settle for the things of this world which are perishing. Lead me instead to live into the life of faith which You have grown in me.
Lord Jesus, I sometimes act as if these are platitudes for others and they do not apply to me. Lead me out of the doldrums of this life into the new life which You have given me. Guide me along the narrow path so that Your word of truth grows in me, bearing fruit for Your kingdom. Lord, let me not watch what is growing, or even how much anything grows, but look to You, the Word made flesh, knowing that You will guide me into all truth. Amen.
