Time to Declutter

“The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.” —Mark 4:18–19 NLT

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus described four types of believers who receive the Word of God. Out of the four types of Christians whom Jesus described in this parable, only one group receives the Word, applies it, and produces fruit based on the Word of God that has been planted within their hearts. It’s tragic that only 25 percent of Christians are considered “good ground” for the Word. The rest are distracted and uninterested in the things of God.

When we hear the word “declutter,” it’s easy to think about physical stuff that overcrowds a home to the point where there’s too much of a mess to move about freely. But it’s just as easy to have too much clutter in our hearts and minds blocking us from being sensitive or receptive to God’s Word and His voice.

Today's passage describes the believers who are considered thorns. These are the people who have too much going on, and who are so tempted by the things of the world that they do not value the Word of God or His voice. When wealth, success, attention, and material possessions become our focus, we value those things over God, and we too become like thorns. These issues will crowd our hearts and minds and push out the Word. Our desire and interest in the Word will begin to fade until it becomes easy to replace God with idols.

God is prompting us to examine our hearts and lives. Remove some things that have taken up valuable space and time and reprioritize God. Anything that chokes the Word must go. It’s time for us to return to our first love.

REFLECTION

Read the entire Parable of the Sower in Mark 4 and reflect on which type of ground your heart would be. When you hear the Word, does it remain and produce a harvest? If not, what could be cluttering your heart?

PRAYER

Lord, I thank You that You say I have the mind of Christ. You have given me everything I need pertaining to life and godliness. Holy Spirit, I need You to be my mind regulator and help me stay focused on what matters to God. Ensure that I am on good ground to receive the Word. In Jesus’s name, amen.