July 1, 2018

Which One Are You?

“The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop – some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” – Mark 4:14-20

Glance around the congregation at your church. What do you see? There are those who show up on Sunday when it’s convenient. There are those who are faithful, welcoming the pastor’s words and enjoying the service. And there are those who take those words to heart and then go into the world to share what they’ve learned.

Which are you? Are you a pew sitter who goes to church because you are a “Christian”? Some people are raised with the label and they know how to behave. They know the rules. In their world, people go to church. They are affiliated with a building. It’s necessary for weddings and funerals, for baptisms and forms.

They know exactly what to say when asked but, well, there’s nothing about their heart that indicates they truly know Christ. Memorizing answers to salvation questions doesn’t mean you are saved. They miss that somehow in their eagerness to do their duty, then get on with real life.

Maybe you’re one of those who come to services and listen intently to the pastor. You soak up his words with all you’ve got. You can name many people who need to heed the words spoken from the Bible. Unfortunately, you’re not one of those people.

Real life has no place for faith. You’ve got too much to do. There are bills to be paid, workplace politics to navigate, and issues that God just can’t help you with. You love Jesus. You do. But this is 2018 and times have changed from those days when Jesus taught His disciples and healed people everywhere He went.

There is joy in church. Sometimes you even feel hope. But real life quickly drowns it out and you go back to how you’ve always lived, facing life’s burdens alone and trying to “win” at all costs.

Maybe you’re one of the fortunate few who actually soaks God’s Word in. Maybe you actually believe His promises and build your life on His foundation. Look around. There are others like you but the workers are few and the harvest is plentiful.

There is a light about those who truly believe in the power of the cross. It doesn’t mean life is always easy. It isn’t. But it does mean you’ll never walk alone. It means that miracles happen. It means that Satan has already been defeated and you are just a traveler on your way home.

Spread that news everywhere you go. Let others look at you and see peace and joy, comfort and wisdom. Let them seek what you’ve got. Give Jesus credit and encourage them to get to know Him as Lord and Savior.

There are many different kinds of people who show up for church on Sunday morning. But they all hear differently. Be the one who soaks it in and then goes on to share it.