²² Now the one sown among the thorns—this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the deceitfulness^[a]of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22 CSB)

What in your life is choking the Word?

In today’s passage we see that it can be the deceitfulness of wealth or worries of this age. I think it is interesting that money and anxiety are called out here specifically. Jesus knew that these two things would have more impact upon believers than any other.

I have written extensively on worry and anxiety. In fact something I read recently called this the “Age of Anxiety”. It is a sad truth, and we are medicating ourselves into a stupor at times. We are trying to use the world’s cure for something we should be looking to God for. Prayer, solitude and time in nature, close to God does wonders for an anxious mind. We cannot allow our anxieties to choke out the Word in our lives.

Money. Yes, we all need it, but how much is enough. Seemingly it never is enough. This too creates a lot of anxiety or it can breed a callousness toward God. If we have all we need and want where is there space for God to work!? Money fixes a lot of things and we can become too dependent upon its ability for that quick fix. Money can become our God and can surely choke out the Word and the work of Christ in our lives.

So what are we to do? First of all, we need to learn to lay things at Jesus’ feet and walk away. Allow Him space to work in our lives without us feeling the need to “go fix it”. Maybe God wants something broken in our lives to keep us humble. This can be especially true when it comes to money. Money is a crutch and if we have it to fully lean upon, again, where is there space for God to work.

Do not allow the things of this world to choke out God.