Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.
Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

In the classic story of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy picks up three friends who are all deficient in some way. The Lion lacks courage, and instead of acting like a lion and being the King of the Jungle, he cowers in helplessness. The Scarecrow lacks intelligence and wisdom. He can not think through situations rationally and make good decisions. And the Tin Man lacks a heart. He is cold and does not empathize with others or seek to understand what they are going through.

Could it be that each of these imaginary characters are really reflections of feelings and experiences that Dorothy herself had? Do they reflect how we feel sometimes in life, as challenging circumstances arise? I can sure relate at times.

The truth is we were designed to bear good fruit and to be reflections of God in all of his attributes and glory. But this is impossible to do when we are corrupted from the inside out by sin. So what on earth are we to do?

Do we seek out a wizard of sorts, who gives us what we think we need, packaged in a way we can receive it? (It may not be real, but it might just be good enough to fool us for a while). Or do we go to the God of the universe who made us, designed us in his image, and gave us abilities that, used in concert with him and his people, are incredibly beautiful and valuable?

Jesus here lists three main reasons that the truth of the Word of God gets choked out in our lives and keeps us from producing good fruit: 1) Worry, 2) Deceitfulness, and 3) Worldly Desires. These lead us down the wrong spiritual paths (not the path designed for us, like the Yellow Brick Road in the story of the Wizard of Oz).

When we look “under the hood” so to speak, we see that each of these three truth-choking symptoms have root causes. 1) Worry can also include fear, anxiety, negativity, and projecting worst-case scenarios or outcomes as a core root. It is a lack of trust in God who is our Shepherd and promises to provide for and protect us. 2) Deceitfulness also has some close companions — lies, half-truths, and things we tell ourselves to cover over the sin areas we need to deal with. Over time, deceitfulness and lies expand in our hearts and take ground until there is no room for Jesus and his saving grace. 3) Worldly Desires can also be called selfish ambition, pride, and greed. These competing evil forces do battle in our bodies, minds, and hearts and fight off the good the Spirit of God is trying to effectuate. Jesus and the Holy Spirit want to do “sin surgery”. This is painful. Pride and worldly desires tell us to take the easier path of denial and a self-grading of our righteousness.

So many people wonder if they have really surrendered their hearts to Jesus or really are “saved” for eternity. I hear this question too often. Jesus makes it clear, if one makes continued room in their heart for worldly desires, deceitfulness, and worry, then they will not produce good fruit. If they do not produce good fruit, then this passage applies: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭6‬-‭7‬)

Which type of soil for the seed am I wanting to cultivate? Which type of branch will I be? One connected to the vine of Jesus Christ, or one that is “self-sustaining”?

Lord, thank you for this great parable that calls me out and challenges me to get rid of deceit, worry, selfishness and the pursuit of worldly things. You are all I need, and I desperately need you to heal me. I need to remain in you each day and fill up on your goodness, your truth, and your love and grace. I will surrender to you every day and seek you out. Give me courage, wisdom, and a heart after you, I pray!