Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop: some 100, some 60, and some 30 times what was sown. Anyone who has ears should listen!     Matthew 13:9 HCSB

I began last time about talking about the hard things we will have to do if you are going to be a Christian. I would like to spend the next few days talking about these. I want to do this because I know that when the going gets tough in Christianity often times the Christian gets going in the opposite direction. We must be steadfast. We must grow in Christ. In order to grow, we must be sure we are planted on good ground in good soil.

Our Scripture passage today comes from the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9). In Matthew 13:18-23 Jesus speaks of seed that fell along the path and was eaten by the birds. This refers to those who hear the word about the kingdom and don’t understand it. It’s easy for the devil to snatch away their desire for salvation. They never obtain a deep understanding of God’s word. They never grow roots, so they are easily plucked off the ground.

Then He refers to seed that is sown on rocky grown. This refers to someone who hears the word and immediately receives it but has no root, so it is short-lived. This is the person who makes a public profession of faith, they may even get baptized and then they fall away. They are joyous but when the pressures of the world come along, or they are persecuted, they stumble.

Then there is seed sown among the thorns; this represents those who hear the word but are more concerned with the worries of this world. They would rather be popular among their peers. They would rather chase wealth and material goods. These things choke out their desire for the word and they fail to produce fruit. They don’t serve the Lord, and they do nothing to lead others to Christ.

And in verse 23, Jesus reiterates what He said in verse 8 about the one sown on good soil. This person hears and understands the word. They bear fruit. They do the work God has called them to do. They bring others to Christ through their witness.

So, if you’re going to be a Christian, you must be sure your seed was sown on good soil. You often hear the phrase, “Bloom where you are planted.” Well, be sure you are planted in good soil. Be sure you have a firm foundation.

If you are going to be a Christian, you are not always going to be so popular among your friends and family. You are not always going to be the guy saying what everyone wants to hear. If you are going to grow as a Christian, you will have to have your feet firmly planted in God’s word. You will need to stay in prayer and Bible study so you can endure persecution. You will need to be able to handle the pressures of this world knowing that God is right there to fight your battles. You just need to suit up and go out there and stand strong.  And most importantly, you must desire God more than you desire the things of this world.

God wants to be first in our lives. It doesn’t mean we can’t have nice things, it simply means we put God first. It means he is more important than our family, our wealth, our social status or anything else of this world. If we put Him first, everything else will fall into place.

If you are going to be a Christian, Christ has to come first. That’s not always easy. Can you handle it? Plant yourself in the good, solid soil of God’s word. Attend a good Bible teaching church. Hear His word, come to know and understand His word and live His word.

Have a great day!