Among the bible stories I would hope you know is the parable of the four soils. This morning I read it from Mark 4.1-9 (that is a hyperlink so you can read it now.)
In this parable, the sower casts his seed and it falls on differing types of soils. The types of soils represent the differing types of responses to the Word of God when it is spoken to us.
The soil type which touched my heart most deeply this morning is the one with thorns. Jesus says these are the folks who are distracted by the things of the world. Such delights chokes the word and it cannot take deep root.
The reasons why this moves me are complex, but I would attempt to explain it by saying that the cares of the world are also that which drives us to the word of God. There are too many instances in which the lure of power or success or prominence are entangled in the snake which then turns and bites us. In pastoral conversations, I hear of how the cares of the world shout so loudly for attention that the word of God and the promises of Jesus don't stand a chance.
This morning's devotion is a suggestion that each of us pay attention to the soil which is our lives. I understand you have way too much to get done this day and I do understand that there are so many experiences you would love to have during your college years. But taking a few minutes - perhaps at the beginning of each day - and reminding yourself of your core commitments and your deepest desires could be the best use of those precious ticks of the clock.
Mark 4.1-9. And in the following verses Jesus offers an explanation of the parable. Consider how you are attending to the soil onto which will be cast the seeds of God's word.
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