Every believer should have a heart for the lost. If you don’t, it may be that you’ve ignored the pull of God’s Spirit for so long, or you’ve let life rule over you. It’s interesting, because the parable of the sower of the seeds is all about sharing your faith. Let’s take a look, and just focus on Jesus’s explanation of the parable.

“The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. 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. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”” Mark‬ ‭4:14-20‬

So, why do I say that this is about sharing your faith instead of being converted? Well, think about it. Someone shared Jesus with you, what are you doing with what you heard?

Ground number 1

This happens more than I’d like it to. I’ve shared with people, and I can see, it’s like they didn’t even hear anything I said. Satan stole the word as soon as it landed. These people haven’t even come in the door, let alone shared their faith.

Ground number 2

So these people have received Jesus with excitement! The only problem is that they have “no root in themselves” and the Bible says that we are to be “rooted and grounded in love” Ephesians 3:17 its relationship with God that will sustain you! You can not continue on without this component.

You see, these people find it hard to share their faith because their identity in Christ was never established, so they take persecution personal, and they become offended. They may even stay in church! Now that’s dangerous, because they become very luke-warm. Being luke-warm damages everyone around you, and yourself. It is hard to be on fire for Jesus and not share your faith.

Ground number 3

The people in this category received the word, but life hit. Money, cars, girls, temptations come along and choke the life out of these people.

It may also be that they do stay following Jesus, but feel that they need to focus on their job because “I have kids to feed, and Jesus isn’t paying my bills you know.”

These are distracted. They’ve let life speak louder than the giver of life. God is our Father, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He does take care of His children. You see, Jesus knew this may be a stumbling block for people, that’s why He made it clear. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

These have forgotten what got them started. They’re focused on themselves, and sharing their faith no longer enters their minds. It becomes “we aren’t in church so I can’t do that”

Ground number 4

These are the people who’ve decided they want Jesus at any cost. They patiently bring forth fruit. They know that works don’t get you saved, but at the same time, they are an important part of “working out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12

Isn’t it interesting that in Matthew 25 in the story of the sheep and the goats, the only difference between the two of them is what they did and didn’t do? Jesus does not respond well to laziness. It may seem harsh, but the cross was harsh. If He took us that seriously, we should take Him that seriously.

Jesus is calling with eyes of fire

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation‬ ‭22:12‬

This is not meant to sound condemning. This is meant to provoke you to love and good works. I pray that the Lord would burn an inferno in your heart, and take away all the excuses!

Be blessed!!