Among Thorns

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”

Luke 8:14

Many of you are familiar with the parable that Jesus told about the farmer sowing his seed. The seed represents the word of God and the soil condition (along the path, on rock, among thorns) represents the various barriers in life that keep us from truly receiving it. Communication is a two way process. When we speak the other person has to hear in order for communication to take place. Jesus teaches us in this parable that we can become “choked by life’s worries” and this will keep us from receiving the spiritual nourishment that is abundant in the word of God.

Unfortunately I have often found myself among the thorns being choked by life’s worries. I’m a bit of a worry wart. Being an entrepreneur and business owner necessarily means being a “doer”. When I encounter a problem, I immediately set out to fix it. If the issue isn’t immediately resolved, I try another path but often begin worrying about the outcome. The state of the current economy and the challenges that it has created has ensured that I haven’t had a shortage of things to worry about…that’s for sure!

Worrying can become all consuming if you let it. This parable reminded me that it can also be an impediment to learning what God is trying to teach me through His word. I spend 15-30 minutes every morning praying and reading the Bible. This is one of the ways that I stay connected to God during the hectic work week. I am now also focused on removing the thorns of worry from this time to ensure that the seed falls on “good soil”.