Soil

In Matthew chapter 13 we find many stories from Jesus about the kingdom of heaven, but I want to highlight one in particular, the story of the soil. In this story there are four types of "soil" or conditions of our heart. I'm going to list each with a brief description and the remedy for it if needed.

1. The footpath - These are people who not only don't understand the Word of God when it is preached or they read it, but they don't really want to understand. There is no desire in them to understand the Word. As a result the Word is stolen from their heart. Change - This person needs a desire to understand. Ask God for a desire to understand and ask others to explain the word.
2. The Rocky Soil - This person hears the Word, understands it and is excited about, but has no depth. This person lacks character and discipline. This is the person who never prays, never reads the word. This person is a roller coaster. They go up weekly when they go to church and down during the week. They are unstable and as a result they don't last long. They fall away as soon as problems or persecution comes. Change - Read the word, pray, surround yourself with people who are strong. Go to reach teams. Make it a daily pursuit and not a weekly event.
3. Among Thorns - This person hears the word and receives it, but is too concerned about the world. They are too concerned with what others think, what's hot on TV, music and in movies. Their desire is not for the things of God, but for the riches of this life, material things, popularity, and fame. They care more about their favorite celebrity and what they are doing that the Word of God and what He has for them. As a result the worries of this life choke the Word out and they produce nothing for God's Kingdom. They may come to church their whole life, but it is a waste because they never do anything for God, church is all about what God can do for them. Change - First repent. Then make a decision to crucify your flesh and your fleshly desires and follow Christ. You may have to fast (give up) what feeds that desire in you and read the word or pray. Instead of picking up US weekly pick up the Word. All that stuff is not bad, but it is if it consumes you. Ask yourself am I consumed by the cause and call of Christ or this world. Really examine and make the changes necessary.
4. The Good Soil - This is the produce who truly hears and understands God's word AND produces fruit. This is someone who reads the Word, Prays, invites people to church, is active in serving and lives a life open to God changing them. This person sees their friends, peers and family changed for Christ. This is the place we all need to get to.

Our hearts are like soil and the condition of it is up to us. Examine yourself and make the changes necessary so God can use you and you can thrive!

For more on this particular story click here.