Doing? Weeds!?

"As for what was sown among thorns this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing."  (Matthew 13:22)

I am a "city slicker" born and raised but now I live in "farm country."  I have been blessed with people who are willing to answer questions and who help take care of the beautiful garden in my yard.  If it is green, and growing, it is "supposed" to be there - right?  When I got frustrated with an out of control garden, several years ago, a friend told me "if you don't want it there it is a weed."  I have no idea what all I pulled out of that garden but the rose bush and a hosta plant were all that was left!  (I know what a rose bush, and hosta, look like!)

This parable is the sower with the seeds.  Jesus is talking about the Word of God and how it is planted in us AND how we are to be planting 'new' seeds.  The question is - which are we?  Are we the ones who hear the Word, get excited about the Word and even think of trying the "new" thing.... but then "the cares of the world" choke out what God is calling us to?  Are the cares of "giving care" keeping us from following where God is leading even when we know God will provide a way?  As care givers I don't see "the lure of wealth" as the thorns "choking" us but I understand the "cares of the world" choking us!

We have families, our care receivers, our work and (oh yeah!) all of the changes and things happening - so yes we can "choke the word" so it "yields nothing."  At the same time a strong relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit changes us to the "good soil" so we not only yield "fruit" (v. 23) but we are also planting good "new" seeds.  What "soil" are you in?  Can you "pull" the weeds?"