DEAL WITH THE THORN
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Saturday 12th March 2022
“And that which fell among thorns 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 (KJV)
The third Soil in the parable of the Sower is the characteristic of the believers who have received the word of God and have committed to staying faithful even in persecution but are more committed to the affairs of life. Yes, they know the word; yes, they believe the word, but they pay more allegiance to the affairs of life than the word of God. So, the word sown in their hearts is choked without producing fruits.
Why will the word not produce fruits? Like I always say, all truths are parallel. In the natural, weeds will always hinder a plant from growing. That is why farmers will diligently remove weeds to get the best harvest; in the same way worries and cares of life will stop the word from bearing fruit.
It is known from the Bible that the church grows stronger and bigger during persecutions because people set their priorities right during such periods. During persecutions, the church focuses and holds on to the word above every other thing and the word produces. Unfortunately, once the pressure is over, believers relax and turn their attention to things and the cares of this world takes over.
God desires that we seek more of Jesus than things of life Luke 12:15, John 14:6. He desires the prosperity of the saints. Psalm 35:27, Matthew 6: 33, 3 John 2. Unfortunately, most people in church are more preoccupied with things. People like that never bring fruits to perfection. They produce some fruits, but they are nothing compared to what God designed for them.
Examine your lifestyle if you feel frustrated about where you are in life and look out for thorns. Get rid of the thorns. Refocus and see a transformation take place in your life.
Further Reading: Matthew 6:19-34
Daily Bible Reading: Morning – Deuteronomy 16-18, Evening – Mark 13:1-20
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