Carl Witty
04/13/15
“And that which fell among thorn are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” Luke 8:14
In the parables of Jesus, no lesson about the power of the seed, the Word of God (Luke 8:11) stands out more clearly than in this one. The mighty power of God’s Word is shown to change lives, to keep them focused, and to “bring fruit to perfection.” All of that power, however, may be severely thwarted by the obstacles mentioned in the Lord’s explanation of the parable. The “thorns” in the ground where the seed (Word of God) fell may so choke the Word that no fruit comes to perfection. “Cares, riches, and pleasures” are real and present in nearly every life. William Barclay has well stated “The more complicated life becomes, the more necessity there is to see that our priorities are right.” This article will concentrate on the “cares” Jesus mentions.
Every person who lives and is connected to other people has cares. Every person who ages has cares. Our love for others carries with it a care and concern for them. We certainly have a responsibility to take care of ourselves. This applies both physically and spiritually (Timothy was to “take heed to unto thyself,” Elders were to “take heed to …. yourselves, and to all the flock”). Therefore, “cares” are a part of our God-given responsibilities. Our vows in marriage include loving, honoring, and caring for another person. Young mothers are to care for their husbands and children. The young father is to love and provide (care) for his wife and children. The care of aging parents can also enter into the mix of cares that many couples face.
Our responsibilities in the family of God involve caring for one another. Caring for the souls of others is essential to an attitude that makes us reach out to those lost in sin. If we have no care, will we teach someone the gospel?
The crux of the matter: how do we balance our care for all the people, all the good causes (all of which are legitimate and good), with our constant need for the sustenance of the Word? Where is the time for reading, mediation, and prayer?
The answer, I believe, is the ability to set priorities and to integrate the Word into our daily lives of service and care for others. How do we do that?
Read and study the Word every day! As we read and study the Word, we should do so, not as an academic experience, but by thinking of practical applications. “What does this mean to me?” “How can I use these principles in my talks with _____?” God’s Word is designed to be a “Lamp to our feet” and a “Light to our way” in our daily living. We struggle for understanding. God’s Word is the answer: “the entrance of thy Word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130
Think of it this way. God, who designed our bodies and our souls, loves us and wants us to serve Him faithfully. He wants our lives to be fruitful – to “bring fruit to perfection”. How will He accomplish that with me? with you? The answer, I believe, is found in verse 15 of Luke 8. “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Jesus teaches us that we must have a heathy and wholesome attitude toward God’s Word – “an honest and good heart”. As we read we should ask: “What is God telling me in this passage?” “How can I put this passage into practice in a particular situation?” We will begin to see applications everywhere when this is our attitude! Combined with prayer for specific individuals and specific situations, Bible study will become a course of instruction for dealing with those we care about.
We must “hold fast” the Word. Stick to what is revealed. Refuse to compromise any clear Bible teaching. Do not quibble about words to no profit. Hold to the big picture. Read as one would read a message from a loving father. Stubbornly refuse to sit in judgement on God’s way. Be childlike in faith. Trust Him who knows what is best.
Finally, bring forth fruit with patience. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” It may take time, much time, to soften the hard heart of an adversary, or even a loved one, and to see them make application of the gospel in their lives. Be patient with yourself, be patient with others. “In your patience possess ye your souls.” Luke 21:19 Follow the example of these “who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12
So don’t choke out the Word with cares. Rather, let the Word teach you how to deal with every care, whether represented by a person or circumstance. May we all remember that and be found, casting all our care upon Him; because He cares for us! I Peter 5:7