June 2 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

We cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven unless we are born again. Throughout His earthly ministry our Lord Jesus makes it clear that the kingdom of heaven does not compete with other loyalties. In the parable commonly referred to as “The Sower” Jesus speaks about the “thorns and thistles” that can crowd out and choke a proper response to the gospel of the kingdom. In this parable, the person is more concerned with building his own kingdom than obeying the Word of God. The worries of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22) The seed of the gospel does not produce fruit.

An individual who allows the Word to get choked looks to the benefits of the gospel but is not prepared to loosen his attachment to this world. He seeks the approval and applause of others. Such a person wants to go to heaven but is not prepared to put to death his love for the world.

Is this not a picture that describes many who at one time professed their faith in the Lord Jesus? Think of what happened to Demas. At one time he worked alongside the apostle Paul as a mission worker. Yet Paul gives a sad report in 2 Timothy 4:10, “For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica.” The strings of the world were attached to Demas. The idols of his heart began to choke out the message of the gospel.

This is probably one of the greatest challenges we face, isn’t it? That is why we need to identify and weed out those things that have the potential to choke out the message of the gospel in our lives. Take stock and inventory of your personal and family life. What is keeping you busy? Is it your work, your entertainment, your children’s involvement in sports or other activities? How much time do you spend reading the Bible and good Christian literature that feeds and nourishes your soul? Christ calls us to seek God’s kingdom first and that means letting the Lord work in us through His Spirit. Personal, family and congregational Bible Study are to be a top priority. No matter how important other things seem, be careful that they do not choke out your spiritual growth. Don’t allow your love for the Lord Jesus to grow cold.