The Subtle Killers of Spiritual Productivity

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, July 18, 2023
…and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Mark 4:19 (NKJV)

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus warns subtle killers of spiritual productivity. Concerning the third category of seed, Christ states, “Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Mark 4:18-19).

Outwardly Fruitful

In terms of unfruitfulness, these hearers are in the same class as those in the wayside and stony ground environments. While God’s word reaches these people freely, it does not meet with the conditions necessary for growth and maturity. However, there is something peculiar about thorny ground hearers.

These people do not reject the word of God outright. They embrace it wholeheartedly. They read the Bible, pray and attend church services. They probably sing in the church choir, teach, preach and hold positions in the body of Christ. Faithfully, they render their tithes and offerings. By all conventional definitions, they are Christians.

Understated Assassins of Godliness

Along their journey of faith, however, these believers are distracted. They spend more and more time pursuing a better earthly life at the expense of the heavenly one. Parents leave home early in the morning and return late in the evening all in pursuit of a comfortable livelihood. Children are engrossed in studies and recreation. Families dedicate weekdays to the pursuit of riches and weekends to quest for pleasure.

There is barely time for family and individual worship. Bible study is neglected and eventually abandoned. Like thorns, the cares of this world, the pursuit of wealth and covetousness rob the individual and family the presence of God. Focus shifts from God to materialism. The influence of the word of God gradually dissipates. God loses His place among His people.

The Subtle Killers of Spiritual Productivity

The subtle killers of spiritual productivity do not discriminate. Every Christian is at risk. We must guard against spiritual complacency. Even as we pursue a good life on earth, we must prioritize God. An active prayer life, a dedication to Bible study, and a commitment to fellowship and witnessing are critical pillars in the fight against spiritual slumber.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to be a fruitful Christians. Hold me firmly and let me never wander from your presence.