What Kind Of Soil Are You?

What kind of effect does God’s Word have on you?

Scripture is like a seed planted in the soil. A seed has enormous power to generate life and usefulness, but only if planted in the right conditions.

Why is it that some people are deeply changed by Scripture, while others seem unaffected?

Some hear the Word and it transforms them. Others are moved—temporarily—but the feeling fades. Some listen, then quickly forget. And then there are those who just aren’t interested at all.

So… which one are you?

Jesus once told a story:

“A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it, some fell along the road. People trampled it, and birds came and ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground. It started to grow, but without moisture, it withered. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked it. But some seed landed on good soil—there it grew and produced a crop a hundred times more than was planted.” (Luke 8:5–8 NCV)

Later, the disciples asked Him what the story meant. Jesus explained:

“The seed that fell by the road? That’s like those who hear God’s message, but the devil snatches it away before it can take root, so they never believe and are never saved.” (Luke 8:12 NCV)

Maybe this describes those who have no interest in God, church, or His Word. They hear it—but it doesn’t land. There’s no curiosity, no desire, no engagement.

Then Jesus said:

“The seed on the rock? That’s those who hear and receive the Word with joy… but they don’t let it go deep. They believe for a while, but when life gets hard, they bail.” (Luke 8:13 NCV)

They’re in—until they’re not. God’s Word is exciting when it fits what they want, but if life doesn’t go their way? Faith fades.

Next:

“The seed among thorns represents people who hear the Word, but it gets choked out by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures. They never grow or produce fruit.” (Luke 8:14 NCV)

You can’t serve two masters. You’ll either pursue God or the world—you can’t fully chase both.

We’ve all heard the parable of the two dogs inside us: one good, one bad. The one you feed the most will dominate. Which one are you feeding?

And finally:

“The seed that fell on good ground is like those who hear God’s Word with a good, honest heart. They cling to it and patiently produce a harvest of good fruit.” (Luke 8:15 NCV)

When we truly love God and walk in obedience, fruit naturally follows. Godly fruit. The kind that lasts. The kind that changes lives.

So… what’s the fruit of your life? How are you following God? Are you “all chips in”?

The way we love God—and love others—shapes how we live out His commands. And those commands? They’re not to restrict us; they’re for our good.

Some will hear and walk away. Some will be inspired but not committed. Some will try, but their faith lacks roots. But those who truly love God and others?

Those are the ones who experience the rich, full harvest of a God-centered life. There’s nothing like it.

LORD, give us hearts that love You and others deeply. Help us live in obedience and let your word grow in us and produce great and Godly fruit. IJNIP amen. ♥️