What is the Kingdom of God really worth to you? The answer to this questions does not come through words, but through actions. Do you ever find it a challenge to pursue God’s will for your life? Do you feel like you need to have all the major issues in your life solved before you can focus on doing something for the Kingdom?
In Luke 8, Jesus tells the parable of the sower. I don’t believe this parable is exclusive to the seed representing salvation. In verse 11, Jesus says, “The seed is the Word of God.” The Word of God regularly goes forth into the eyes and ears of Christians. Weekly services, small groups, books, conferences, concerts, radio, television, and on, and on the list goes. Yet what do we do with this treasured seed from God Himself? Well, it depends on what type of soil you are.
The wayside. Jesus goes on to say that for some people, “the devil comes and takes the word out of their heart” (v. 12).
The rocks. Some hear the commissions and mandates going forth, “receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away” (v. 13).
The thorns. There are those who are taught that the Kingdom can only expand when Christians are mobilized into this world, but “when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (v. 14).
The good ground. Simply, “are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience” (v. 15).
It is a daily fight to receive God’s Word with joy, and not fall into sin when temptation comes. It is also a daily battle to act on the thousands of hours of spiritual instruction you have received over the course of your spiritual journey, without being choked by the cares of life.
Recently, there has been a lottery drawing for untold millions of dollars. Many Americans have participated in this lottery, and many more have probably been daydreaming of what their life would be like if they actually won. However, Proverbs 18:22 says, “The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.”
Be eager to invest in the Kingdom of God. Don’t be stingy with your resources: your time, your money, your abilities. Use whatever resources you have been given to see people reached with the Gospel – this is a great way to make sure you are considered “good ground.”
