Our Scripture reading today is Mark 4:18-19.
"And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 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."
The Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than a two edged sword. The Word of God is a lamp that gives light to our daily path. We could go on and on when describing God's Word. There is a great warning here in our text with regards to several things that will choke the word. The emphasis God placed upon my heart is with regards to the cares of this world. Are we more this world focused than we are focused on the world to come? Are we more concerned with the temporal than the eternal?
We are challenged by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:2, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." This will prevent the cares of this world from choking the effectiveness of God's Word in our lives. As we seek first His kingdom, all the needs I have in this world will met according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. As born again believers, it is our privilege to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus Christ. We must turn our eyes upon Him and the things of earth will grow dimmer and dimmer in light of His great glory!