And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the Word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the Word, and it proves unfruitful. Mark 4:18-19
“O my God! what miseries and mockeries did I then experience, when obedience to my teachers was set before me as proper to my boyhood, that I might flourish in this world, and distinguish myself in the science of speech, which should get me honour amongst men, and deceitful riches!”
Augustine of Hippo in Confessions 1.9.14 translated by J.G. Pilkington.
In his classic work, Confessions, Augustine divulges the fruit that comes from focusing on flourishing according to the world’s system. We get miseries and mockeries.
Be sure not to hear him say that it’s bad to listen to your teachers. He would add to tune out those whose counsel is worldly. All they spout might sound good, and it might even land you accolades and riches, but they are deceitful. We might get honor too but it is an empty reward. So what should we pursue?
Today’s Scripture comes from the parable of the Sower and the soils. Jesus was alerting the disciples (and us) to sow truth and to receive the truth so that we may bear much fruit. That’s His design and desire for us. It’s far better than miseries and mockeries, and it’s available for everyone.
I just sent a slide deck on my book, The Sower, to the Philippines so that my brother there, Anjji Gabriel, can share it with emerging Christian workers in Mindanao. Pray with me today for their hearts, that the cares of this world will not choke out the Word. Make it so for each of us. Lord.