We continue our discussion of The Parable of the Sower from Matthew Chapter 13 and the different types of fields (soil). All of us will struggle with this next field that Jesus describes. In this soil, the seed sprouts up, grows big, becomes green, and looks awesome. However, weeds grow with it, choking its potential. Notice it doesn’t say the plant dies; it actually maintains its green and lush exterior, but it doesn’t bear fruit. Christians today can relate to such an image. Often we look good, everything is green, and we should be bearing fruit any day now. But the reason we don’t is a combination of the deceitfulness of wealth and worries. Stressed about this, worried about that, busy with this and that, and never focusing on what really matters.

As a child, my grandparents on my mom’s side lived with us for a season, and my grandpa planted a garden. He filled the border with topsoil and organic materials, creating rich soil over time, and grew a variety of delicious vegetables. After they moved, no one was left to take care of the garden. Guess how long it took for that little garden to go from vegetables to weeds? In just a few weeks, it was over.

Friend, here’s the point: Weeds grow faster and easier in better soil. What should you do? Tend to your garden. Pull those weeds up every day, not once a month, so they don’t become overgrown. What do you need to pull up or “let go of”? Decide now before they grow too big. Keep your focus and ask God to help you bear fruit. As you tend your garden with God’s help, you will see your dreams grow!