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[They hear] the word, but the worries of this life . . . choke the word. (read Matthew 13:22)
After burying a few seeds in a pot in my garden, I waited to see the results. Reading that the seeds would sprout within ten to fourteen days, I checked often as I watered the soil. Soon I saw a few green leaves pushing their way out of the soil. But my bubble burst quickly when my friend told me those were weeds. They encouraged me to pull them quickly so that they wouldn’t choke the plants I was trying to grow.
Jesus also spoke about the importance of dealing with intruders that can impede our spiritual growth. He explained a portion of His parable this way: when a sower cast his seeds, some “fell among thorns . . . and choked the plants” (Matthew 13:7). Thorns, or weeds, will do just that to plants—stop their growth (verse 22). And worry will surely stunt our spiritual growth. Reading Scripture and praying are great ways to grow our faith, but I’ve found I need to watch out for the thorns of worry. They’ll “choke” the holy word that has been planted in me, making me focus on what could go wrong.
The fruit of the Spirit, described in Scripture, includes such things as love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:22). But in order for us to bear that fruit, in God’s strength we need to pull any weeds of doubt or worry that may distract us and cause us to focus on anything other than Him.
Reflect & Pray
How is God helping you grow the seeds He’s planted within you? How can you pull the weeds of worry?
Dear Heavenly Father, please remind me to pull weeds often, discarding worry and deceitful thoughts so I may grow and bear fruit in You.
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