If you are like me, you cross the street when you see a sign such as, “Beware of Dog”. There’s a large dog house, a bowl labeled “Killer” – I get the message, and I’m out of there!
In the parable of the sower, Jesus implies that we need to beware of thorns, and He defines what these thorns are that we are to beware of. He first mentions “the care of this world”. The word “care” implies that there is a distraction from the things of the Lord when we get caught up in the world. Another thorn is “the deceitfulness of riches”, which means the delusions of riches. Did you ever find yourself thinking that if you had just a little more money your life would be better? Tell me, how many people do you know who have that “little more” and yet are miserable? Memorize this line: Money can’t buy you blessedness!
The apostles were extremely poor (They never heard that famous evangelist’s tape on hundred-fold return when you give!), yet they made others rich. They owned nothing, but possessed all things. Read the entire book of Ecclesiastes if you think that anything other than a vibrant relationship with Jesus can make your life complete.
The pleasures of this life are another thorn. The word “pleasure” comes from the Greek word that we translate into the English word “hedonism”. Hedonism is the worldly philosophy that pleasure or happiness is the sole or chief good in life. The Christian’s goal, however, is to bring God pleasure.
Paul told Timothy that in the last days many would be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. In other words, many would like God, but love pleasures more. “He who loves pleasure will be a poor man”.
God’s working in you will cause you to be going “against the flow” of the world because our world promotes “thorny” living and exalts the lifestyles of the “rich and thorny”. The result of dwelling among thorns? Choking! Non-productivity!
Beware of forfeiting the everlasting pleasures of God for the pleasures of sin for a season. Seek Kingdom pleasures!
