UNDERSTANING AND FRUITFULNESS:
Matthew 13:18-23 NKJV
[18] “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: [19] When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. [20] But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; [21] yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. [22] Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. [23] But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
Understanding is the key to fruitfulness. Whatever we don’t understand will not benefit us and because we do not understand its value, we would not make the needed effort to learn how to put it to best use. Jesus told the parable of the seed and soil to demonstrate the need for understanding God’s word. I believe this equally applies to all other things in life.
Jesus says the word of God that is not understood, would be stolen from our hearts by the wicked one! Yes, the word of God that is not understood can be stolen from our hearts by the wicked one, fail to endure and overcome troubles and persecution and can be choked by the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches.
Understanding gives us the ability to protect our hearts (Proverbs 4:20-27), endure hardships and also the ability to focus on the most important things in life. It is only what we understand that is protected, endures, and overcomes temptations to bear fruit in our lives.
Matthew 13:23 NKJV
[23] But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
Luke 8:14-15 NKJV
[14] Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. [15] But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
Friends, let’s get wisdom, and in all our getting, let’s get understanding, too.