Sunday, 15 February 2026

Beware of thorns Week 7, 2026

 

It’s not that I don’t want to give God my best nnanyi, I’m juggling many things…

I also have many things to do. You have time for what is important to you.

Your words are very hard. The church is important to me also, but I am actually very busy. I work in three places. I do mornings in one place; in the evenings I put in a few hours elsewhere and cover another facility at nights. I get exhausted frequently.

Poor you. Why stress yourself that much? Is the pay so terrible?

Actually, I could manage with two, but I have a target amount to meet up within 6 months so I could pay deposit for a Tokunbo car. I cannot keep using public transport forever.

Listen to me carefully. Beware of thorns. Lk 8:7(ESV)  And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. Anything choking your spiritual life must be avoided

What do you mean by that? Please be comprehensive in applying the scripture. Have you forgotten 2Th 3:10 (ESV) For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat? Do you want me to beg or be a burden to others in the name of Christian service? 2Th 3:7-8(ESV)  For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. None of these jobs is shady or illegitimate. How else will I get the good things of life, or is yours a gospel of poverty?

Far from it. Far from it. The teachings about idleness are correct, but if that is truly what you are practicing why are you not as committed as Paul the apostle who wrote and practiced these things? Act 17:16-17(ESV)  Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

How do you know I am not as committed?

Have you always been presenting the gospel message everyday in your workplace? Don’t open your mouth that’s what Paul was doing whilst he was alone at Athens. Act 17:15(ESV)  Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

So how do I meet up with my targets? I will soon get married and need to raise money for the ceremony and reception.

That is where faith comes in. Lk 8:14(ESV)  And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. Thorns are not necessarily the result of doing illegitimate work, nor has God called us to poverty. Like Paul see the gospel work as your daily assignment. Work hard, and have good targets for life Mat 6:32-33(ESV)  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. God gives His best to those who in faith serve Him unconditionally.

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