Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.
The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

We have all heard some people say that all paths lead to God, and really, that is true. They all do eventually. Jesus is the only person that leads us to a relationship with God through the forgiveness of sin and payment for our sin by his death on a cross. All other paths lead to God in a dreadful way; they lead to the judgment day where God separates his true followers from those who did not accept the free gift of salvation Jesus offered them. His followers will live with him in eternity in the Kingdom of God. All of the rest, the Bible tells us, will be eternally punished. The Bible is clear about this, as was Jesus.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6) And then there is the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus will sit on the throne and judge the righteousness of man, those who knew him and did not know him, those who acted like he did and those who did not.

What I find interesting about the type of soil (or heart of man) mentioned here in Luke is that it is one of a very active person. They actively pursue lots of things. But they don’t prioritize them right, or they don’t exclude the bad things. They have one foot in the world, living for its riches and the pleasures it promises; and dealing with its endless worries. And then they try to have one foot on the path to God. The problem is that the paths go in divergent directions, and this person will end up taking the easy path first. Jesus said: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

I have seen and talked to many people throughout my life that get toward the end of their time on earth – they retire – and they wonder … is this all there is? They have saved up and planned for all of the greatness retirement will bring, but they have not invited God to their retirement party, or given him preeminence in their plans. It is a lie and a deception to think that God’s plan for us is to coast into heaven. He always has his work planned out in advance for us. Sometimes it just looks a little different than we think it should.

The warning here is clear. Do not get divided in your loyalties or confused in your calling. SEEK GOD FIRST, His Kingdom and His Righteousness. Do his will above your own. And he will be pleased with you and bless you.

Lord, thank you for calling out this hypocrisy that is so easy to fall into – that of living part of my life or giving part of my time or loyalty to the world. I want my life path to lead to you in victory, not away in defeat. So I will follow you no matter the cost!