Deeper Life #236

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

—Mark 4:19

MANY PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO live the life of a Christian, who have not been born again by the Spirit of God. My friend, if you are in this class, your difficulties will drive you insane. You cannot possibly live the Christian life unless you have received the strength of the Lord in the new birth. The thorns of life will choke you.

In the parable of the sower, thorns represent the cares of this life or anything that will hinder you spiritually. Remember, if you determine to go with God, you will have difficulties.

Paul did not say, “A great and effectual door is opened unto me, and there is nothing to hinder”; but he said, “There are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:9). Jesus says the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches are hindering many. In this sense, “riches” refers not to money alone, but to anything you treasure above the presence of the Son of God.

Oh, may the Lord help us to understand His truth!

Prayer Thought: Discipline my walk with You, Jesus, so that I can effectively overcome setbacks in life.

SUGGESTED READING: Mark 4:14–20