The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. NIV
I’m still working my way through the listings of the word, “worry,” in my concordance. This parable of the sower comes up again and again. The phrase that strikes me this morning is “the deceitfulness of wealth.”
Last night, I saw the movie “Slum Dog Millionaire.” I was struck by the living conditions, or lack of them, that the characters endured.
I’ve visited a third-world country, one where poverty is rampant and people are literally starving. And yet, I met people there who had true joy, and who were spreading the word and making a difference for the kingdom. They weren’t worried about their circumstances, and they weren’t distracted by their possessions.
As I look around at my life and my surroundings, I can see the deceitfulness of wealth … When one is afforded the comforts of this world, it is easy to lose sight of the reason we are here — to fellowship with God — and of the important mission we have been given — to make a difference for Him.
Today, I’m praying that I will be alert to the things that threaten to choke my fruitfulness, and that God will show me where and how I can best bear fruit.
365 Days of Peace 