22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 

From this parable we looked at the stubborn heart, like the seed on the road. We looked at the shallow heart like those seeds on rocky soil. Today I want to address the Selfish heart.

The selfish heart is represented by seed falling among thorns and thistles. Jesus spoke about the weeds amongst the wheat. Jesus classified three types of thorns that choke our faith. They are: the cares of this world that is the distractions (v. 19, worries); deceitfulness of wealth; and finally misguided desires.

We can be so busy taking care of the wants and needs of our life, we no longer have time for God. All of us live in a busy world with selfish concerns. Many well-meaning people work very hard. In fact, so hard they don't leave room for God. The cares of this world keep many from spiritual-filled lives. We need to pay bills, supply clothes, buy food and necessities, but many spin their wheels, never getting ahead because of misplaced priorities. Jesus said, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these other things will take place.”

The second type of thorn is deceitfulness (v. 19, riches) the delight of the riches of this world. There is a desire for material things. I have seen a lake home taking so much time and money the individuals didn't have time for the things of God. A boat and trailer, a car, a wonderful lawn and beautiful house will all be ruined someday. But where is your soul? Things of God can get very quickly crowded out. Money cannot save you

Karl Barth, a German theologian made this statement: the US is a greater threat to Christianity than communism. For in areas where there was persecution, there was a church that was purified and clean and active for the Lord. Those who committed were committed 100%.” As he observed the Christian church in the US he was discouraged. They seemed complacent, lacking and easily giving up their commitment for superficial meaningless things that crowd out the Spirit-filled life. "If doing God's will is not number one in your life, then you will not do it." 

Thirdly are the misguided desires of seeking material riches.  Lake homes, snow mobiles, play stations, hunting, fishing, craft shows, hobbies all can be good for recreation, but pursuit of these things are taking up more and more of our time. I hear many excuses when it comes to refusing church jobs or responsibilities. They don't have time for church or spiritual growth. They talk on the run, eat on the run, pray on the run, sometimes even sleep on the run. We do not want burnout, but what is causing your burnout? What better thing to do than burn out for God? He comes first, family second, job third. There’s an old saying preachers share – beware the barrenness of a busy life. No one in heaven is going to ask how high you climbed the corporate ladder. The cares of this world will disguise themselves in gold and jewelry and promise to be true, life-pleasing treasure if you let them will usurp your time and God’s place in your heart.

One man once wrote – “the feeling of being hurried is not usually the result of living a full life and having no more time. It is, on the contrary, born of a vague fear that we are wasting our life.”