I'm choking here...

The seed that fell among the thorns are the seeds that concern me the most.

Luk 8:14  And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 

Cares, riches and pleasures of this life choking out the real fruit of the Spirit to the glory of God.  Man.  It seems to me that I am living among thorns, and so is my family.  Can we "weed out" all the thorns?  Probably not.  1Corinthians tells us, as married men, that "...he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife."  Elsewhere, in many places in scripture, even Paul himself declares that this relationship is a good thing, an opportunity to be like Christ as we lead our wives, and love them like Christ Loved the Church.  (Hence the subtitle of this blog).

But it all calls for carefulness, and weeding out what we can so that more fruit can be produced.

You and I need to be very careful, as some of the richest people in the world (just in case you don't realize this is true, Doc, try running your income on this calculator: I did, and it told me that I was in the wealthiest 1% of all people in the world (!).  Not boasting.  God provided.  What am I doing with it?


Lord, Help Me:

Luk 18:24-25  And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!  (25)  For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Help me to remember:

1Ti 6:6-12  But godliness with contentment is great gain.  (7)  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  (8)  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  (9)  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  (10)  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  (11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  (12)  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Doc, you and I and our families are in the danger zone there, I think.  Are we being cautious enough?