Living LifeWise: Parable of the SowerSample

I remember a time when my husband and I were focused on a financial goal. We were saving money for some much-needed home improvements and within several weeks were hit with added costs of vehicle repairs and unexpected medical bills. We were both putting in long hours at work, constantly thinking about how to maximize our income to cover these expenses.

I told myself that I was being responsible by picking up extra work that extended into evenings and weekends, but deep down I knew that my drive was becoming all-consuming. I found myself skipping quiet times with God, rushing through prayers and even missing Sunday worship to finish one more project.

One evening as I sat in my home office, I felt a strong sense of emptiness. Despite the progress we were making financially, I realized that my relationship with Jesus had taken a backseat. The truth of His Word had been choked by my pursuit of financial security. The very thing I thought would bring me peace was instead leading me away from the source of true peace.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus described the seed falling on thorny soil. The thorns choked out the seed so it could not grow. The worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth are subtle but powerful distractions. Like thorns, they can easily take root in our hearts and gradually overtake our love for Jesus. Our faith becomes unfruitful.

We must be truthful with ourselves about what we are prioritizing and make the conscious decision to keep Jesus at the center of our lives. When we prioritize Jesus, we align ourselves with the truth of His word. That doesn’t mean ignoring our responsibilities or financial needs, but rather we keep them in their proper place. Jesus taught us to seek first the kingdom of God, trusting that He will provide for our needs.

Reflect: Contemplate what is taking up the most space in your heart. Identify worries or desires that threaten to choke out the life-giving truth of Jesus.

• How do your practices reflect your priorities?
• Do you worry about life or love money more than you love God?
• When have you experienced God’s provision?

Pray: Pray for help to be truthful about the priorities in your life. Ask God to free you from the worries of the world or the pursuit of wealth. Pray that you would focus on Him, trusting that when you seek Him first, everything else will fall into place.