As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and produce no mature fruit.
At the age of 58, I am learning that this interaction with the thorns is an ongoing temptation and struggle even for one such as myself who has known Christ most of his life. Cares, riches, concerns and pleasures do not necessarily decrease as one ages. It seems they have the tendency to increase with the increase of what one ‘owns’ and is responsible for in this life. The thorns of life are ever growing.
Our resolve to stay close to Christ must also grow to meet these temptations. The Holy Spirit must be given more and more control of our lives in order for the thorns of this existence to be kept in check and spiritual strangling be avoided. How exactly one does this I simply do not know. There are always new cares, seemingly bigger and badder than before, tied to my affluence. The limited fruit that is produced in my life seems to be bruised and poor and shrinking every day from exposure to the elements. The temptation of pleasure certainly does not seem to be abated but gives every indication that it is on the increase. There is less and less control and more of a sense of helplessness and inability. In this later season of life, the deep desire for security is heightened. Truly, I have not given up but neither have these temptations abated.
I am left with this fact: My only Hope is Jesus Christ.
He is enough. Fix your eyes on Him, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
Ventanas 