He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. — Matthew 13:22

Things of all kinds can keep us from focusing on the kingdom. The stresses of everyday life might make it hard to keep a spiritual perspective. But in a culture with a lot of money, our desire for wealth, our search for material goods, and our self-centeredness may trap us in stress. Worry can make faith less strong. When the Gospel’s power is stifled, we eventually lose our spiritual strength. Jesus is where we get our most valuable things. We can handle any problems that come our way if we treat him as our most valuable possession and put the Kingdom first.

 

Thought

Things of all kinds can keep us from focusing on the kingdom. The stresses of everyday life might make it hard to keep a spiritual perspective. But in a culture with a lot of money, our desire for wealth, our search for material goods, and our self-centeredness may trap us in stress. Worry can make faith less strong. When the Gospel’s power is stifled, we eventually lose our spiritual strength. Jesus is where we get our most valuable things. We can handle any problems that come our way if we treat him as our most valuable possession and put the Kingdom first.

 

Prayer

Please, kind Father, help me figure out how to use the gifts you’ve given me. I don’t want the things I have to own me or trick me, and I don’t want to want what I don’t have. Give me your whole heart when it comes to the problems in your kingdom. Please help me grow a heart that is full of your grace and can bear fruit. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.