09/12/2015 - THE CHOKED WORD

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And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. Mark 4.7

In agriculture, a land filled with thorns is completely useless. As for the spiritual life, when a child of God becomes fascinated with the things of this world, it becomes worthless. There are many that complain that the Lord does not operate in their lives or answer their prayers like before; thus, the flesh gains dominion over them.

Jesus said that the thorns are the cares of this world, the deception of riches, and the worldly ambitions – elements that make a person become fruitless. As time goes on, we should become stronger in the Lord and in the strength of His power (Ep 6.10), but it is not as it has happened with some Christians. If this has happened to you, it is time to understand why you have left the Most High, and then return to your first love urgently.

Remove the thorns in your life. Otherwise, the Almighty will not bless you as He did in the beginning of your Christian life. It is not good to ignore this warning from the Master. You are losing yourself with things that suffocate the Word. The Seed has the mission of operating in your life, making you become a successful warrior. However, if you do not remove these obstacles, nothing will happen.

The cares of this world hinder the work of God. Why should you worry with what you will eat or dress tomorrow? If the Lord provides food for the birds so that they lack nothing, and dresses the lilies of the field in such a beautiful way – not even the wisest man in the world manage to dress in such a way (Mt 6.28,29) – then what wouldn’t He do for those who are faithful and obedient to His commandments (v.30,31)? Do not let anything stop your communion with the Most High.

The deception of riches leads to man’s impoverishment. Many sons and daughters of God are seeking material abundance, and therefore, they do not obtain spiritual prosperity. Why should you be poor in eternal things and rich in things with a terrible fate – they will be burned in fire – ? Certainly the true abundance will never be taken away from us. However, as for the earthly goods, they also attract thieves and all kinds of evil (Mt 6.19).

Other worldly ambitions immobilize the souls of the most consecrated servants of the Lord, leading them to spiritual suffocation. Then, even though the person might try his best, he will not be able to get rid of the curse of having abandoned the Way. When you allow greediness to control your life, it is the same as abandoning the Spring of living waters and digging broken cisterns (Jr 2.13), which do not retain water. What do you prefer: asphyxiation or freedom?

If the Word has not been fulfilled in your life, it is because you have not taken away the thorns from your heart, for if it is being choked, it cannot yield fruit. Flee from the fascination of riches of this world and you will have eternal fullness. Flee from the cares of life, and the Lord will care for you until you leave this world. Flee from worldly ambitions, for in Him, you already have what is best.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares