Daily Devotional: Your Ground

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Do you eagerly listen to the preacher but wonder why you never bear any fruit? The parable of the sower helps us understand how to respond to God's words.

Matthew 13:1-23​

“Some fell upon stoney places, where they had not much earth.”

The parable of the sower asks each of us a serious question: on what type of ground am I standing? Even if you hear the good seed, it may not bear any fruits in your life. That is, just because you listen to your pastor every service does not mean that you will live a victorious Christian life.

The Scripture tugs at us, telling us that it takes more than just hearing God’s words. If we have no roots, no prior knowledge of God, then we must be diligent to build roots or we will fade away. The cares of the world, our jobs, the bills, and all the daily tasks can choke out Christ in our life.

Jesus is warning that we must take care to allow the seed, the Word of God, to grow in our lives. How do we do this? By simply hearing, reading, and understanding the Word of God.

I am amazed at how simple God’s plan is. When we take God at His word, believing that what He says is true, then all things will work out. We may not understand at first, but if we acknowledge that God’s words are true, then we will not be offended at something we read or hear in a sermon. If we do not understand, then we can ask God for understanding, and He will liberally give us wisdom (James 1:5). God does not want to withhold any good thing from us. If we want to understand Him, He will help us to do so.

Do not make the words of God more complicated that it is. Let is seep into your mind and heart. In time, it will bear wonderful fruits of peace, joy, longsuffering, love, and eventually godliness.

• Reflection: Are you offended or rejoice at what you read in the Bible or hear in sermons? Leave a comment below to share what God is doing in your life.