“As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and produce no mature fruit.” (v. 14)

That’s me.

I’m the third one.

I would rather be the fourth one, though: the good ground, the fruitful yield, the picture of Jesus’ flourishing kingdom.

But, more often, I’m the third one. Growing among thorns.

This is the humbling reality of the Word in our world. You and I, by grace, have every opportunity to hear it and embrace it and grow in—but the ground of our lives puts it in competition. We have worries. We have wants. For all the good that could grow in us, we keep watering the weeds instead. I get so distracted by money and property—I get so entangled in the fear of missing out—that Jesus’ kingdom fruit becomes hard to see.

The good news is that I am still listening, still weeding, still growing.

How about you?

— Tyler