Crowded out

For 13 years, I had piano lessons!
But for most of that time, I didn't practice much between lessons. Certainly, as a teenager, football took my time and interest, and I made increasingly lame excuses to my ever-so patient teacher about 'being very busy last week'!
On reflection, I know I enjoyed the football immensely, but I am sad that my piano playing got crowded out.
In Jesus' story of the different sorts of soil, that I have now heard in Matthew, Mark & Luke's slightly different accounts, he makes the point about the sort of plants that get crowded out. 'The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.' (Mark 4.18-19)
Yesterday's seed failed to produce any fruitful growth because of shallow roots. Today's seed also fails to produce any fruit,because the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things. This is what very easily happens for all of us in the rich South east - we have so many options and such busy lives, that it is so easy to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the activity of life. But the consequence is 'no fruit is produced'.
I have been amazed how hard it has been to find time or make time to listen to the New Testament recordings from the Bible Society. Not only is it hard to make the time to listen - but then to reflect and pray and then to apply God's word into my life all takes time. It is so easy to be active and busy, but to end up fruitless and empty.
How glad I am that Jesus warns people like us of this ever-present danger. With his help and support, and the encouragement of others, maybe we can all learn to clear the thorns and weeds from our lives, and then be amazed at the fruit which He brings into our lives.
Our Church Weekend, from 4-6 March, will provide a great chance to get these sort of issues sorted out. If you haven't already booked, please do join us.
Best wishes,
Richard