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 NIV)
Some of the seeds (God's word) that you plant will fall on people who hear what you are saying and respond. They will come to church services, small groups, or ministry teams with you. They are changed by what they see an hear and accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Once "in," though, they continue with the motions of church while God makes little noticeable difference in their life. They are "saved" but not "free." Money, jobs, or just life in general is able to stress them out or get them down all the time. They seem strangled by the worries of this life, just holding on till the next.
I once watched as someone stopped coming to church services because he was embarrassed that he lost his job. The very time in his life when he had much more free time (that could have been spent with God in prayer, reading Scripture, small groups, ministry teams, and corporate worship), he stayed at home and sulked. When he finally got a job over a year later, he "couldn't" come to church services because he was too busy. Work had him going six days a week. Even though he was off on Sundays, it was the only day he got to sleep in. He thanked God for the job and thanked me for the prayers, but...
How about you? Do you allow the worries of this world to get you down? Do you let them stop you from walking with God? Do you allow them to stop you from participating in the life of the Church and empowering one more?
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