The Thorns and Thistles
“When a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable:
“The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great.”
As He said these things, He would call out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”” (Luke 8:4-8)
Jesus later explained:
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.” (Luke 8:11-15)
The American Church and the Thorns
The soil filled with thorns reflects much of the American Church. We are busy yet barren, consumed by the cares, riches, and pleasures of life, all of which choke out the fruitfulness and maturity of God’s Kingdom in our lives.
Recent studies reveal that only 3–5% of American Christians live as true disciples. Many are “saved and stuck,” caught in a cycle of spiritual stagnation. Like the thorny soil, we prioritize the American Dream over the Kingdom of God.
We need a radical change—a transformation into good soil. This shift will require going against the grain of culture, embracing a countercultural way of life, and taking these necessary steps:
• Ruthless Weeding: Eliminating distractions and idols.
• Intentional Prioritization: Clearing your calendar to focus on what truly matters.
• Patient Endurance: Faithfully persevering through challenges, resisting the urge to quit.
Obedience Over Convenience
Too often, we want the fruit of the Kingdom without the cost. We desire the blessings of covenant without the commitment, the benefits of community without the responsibility, and Kingdom culture without Kingdom components like conviction, consistency, and obedience.
This mindset mirrors our approach to convenience. We want the pre-assembled IKEA display in our homes but balk at the effort required to build it ourselves. Similarly, we treat obedience to God as optional—just one dish among the many options in the buffet of our lives.
But Jesus is not optional. He must be Lord over every aspect of our lives—our time, money, and relationships.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
The Idols That Hinder Obedience
The American Church often spiritualizes its idols, particularly family, busyness, and comfort. These good things become stumbling blocks when they take precedence over Christ.
• Family: Endless activities, sports, and school events often crowd out Kingdom priorities.
• Busyness: We wear it as a badge of honor, even though it can distract us from obeying God. I think if I were an alien that came into our environment I’d most likely conclude that “busy” was a virtue in the American church.
• Comfort: Entertainment, financial security, and the pursuit of pleasure choke out the Word in our lives.
These idols lead us to excuse disobedience with phrases like:
• “I’m too busy right now.”
• “I’m focusing on my family in this season.”
• “I need to take care of myself first.”
But Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37)
When Jesus is truly Lord, everything—our family, work, and resources—becomes a means to obey and glorify Him.
Obedience Is Worship
At its core, obedience is worship. It demonstrates our love for Jesus and our trust in His leadership.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Obedience requires surrendering the fear of man, which is often the root of disobedience. When we fear man, we seek their approval and follow their voices. But when we fear God, we obey Him alone, finding joy, peace, and transformation in His will.
Disobedience leads to regret and grief, while obedience produces fruit that lasts.
Radical Abandonment
To walk in obedience, we must embrace radical abandonment to Christ. Psalm 45:10 captures this beautifully:
“Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house.”
This means leaving behind the past, the culture, and even our upbringing to follow Jesus fully. As the Bride of Christ, we must cleave to Him, allowing Him to renew our minds, transform our hearts, and lead us into oneness with Him.
This radical obedience leads to intimacy with Jesus, where His will becomes our nourishment:
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.” (John 4:34)
Closing: A New Year of Obedience
As 2025 approaches, ask yourself: What will I do this year to impact the Kingdom of God?
Instead of setting resolutions focused solely on personal goals, make it your mission to seek His face and obey His voice.
When you seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, He will add everything else you need. Obedience to Jesus is the path to true joy, peace, and fulfillment.
Come alive in 2025 by making hearing and obeying the Lord your priority. Let your life bear the fruit of the Kingdom, rooted in the good soil of surrender.
The Call to Obedience: A Life Rooted in Christ
by Micah Level