"The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. " Matthew 13:20,21
Why do some people fall completely in love with running while others don't? That's one of the questions that a new field of study called exercise psychology is trying to answer. Through a series of different experiments, researchers have made some discoveries that might explain part of the phenomena but say it's still not clear why some new runners become die-hard fans and continue running throughout their lifetime, and others embrace it for a time and then fall away.
And while I can somewhat understand how a person could lose their joy for running, I can never understand how a person could lose their joy for Jesus-a Savior that gave his life for every single one of us. But the Bible tells us that many new believers will do that very thing saying, "They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word." You see, while they may fall in love upon hearing the message, their love will remain shallow and superficial because no "deep roots" are ever grown so "they don't last long."
Unfortunately many new believers will fail to grow these deep roots simply because, just as in cultivating a love of running, it requires effort. It requires setting aside time each day to study God's word to get to know him more. After all, to develop a deep relationship with anyone, including the Father, takes time, effort and a determination to seek after that person, right?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly warns us why some new Christians will fall away. Help us to recognize those who are at risk and help mentor and guide them through the process of growing deep roots that they might develop a love for you that can never be lost. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Love broke through - Toby Mac
No comments:
Post a Comment