Matthew 13:22 KJV
[22] He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
Think of a rosebush. Each thorn is small, but there are many of them.
Luke 10:40-42 KJV
[40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
[41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
[42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
There are many cares of the world, most of them small (like thorns). Yet they add up to a lot. Each one is somewhat important, but not more important than learning from God, living what you learn, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit. This is the one thing that is needful. This must be done, even if lesser matters are neglected.
Riches, money. People typically buy a lot of things. Most purchases are small (like thorns) and require little of us. Yet they add up to a lot. It takes much mind, time and effort to spend money, and take care of and use what you buy. Therefore, do not buy so many things.
It is common and easy to minimize the importance of eliminating thorns from daily lives. Because they are typically considered one at a time. One thorn, two thorns, ten thorns probably do not interfere with bearing the fruit of the Spirit. However, how many thorns do you have? Pick a random day and count them. And then add up the time you spend on them altogether. Compare that to the time you spend reading the Bible, meditating on it and implementing God's commands into your daily life and routines.
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