Thorn Dodging

(Proverbs 22:5 KJV)  Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

This makes me think of a parable Jesus used.  It has different names, the parable of the sower, of the seeds, of the soils.  One of the dangers is “thorns” (6791).  Jesus takes the time to explain this parable and in reference to the thorns he clarifies.

(Matthew 13:22 KJV)  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

This is talking about someone on the road of salvation.  He had been born.  He had grown.  Then he took his eyes off the prize.  “Thorns” (6791) began to choke out the early growth.  Jesus clarifies what He means by thorns.

There is one difference between us and a seed.  A seed can make no choices.  We can.  A stalk of wheat or barley cannot decide to move.  We can.  We must.  That is the message for us. 

So?  Be alert for things that begin to choke out the joy of the Lord.  Be careful of activities that begin to water down your obedience.  Grace and the Holy Spirit will give you all the warnings you need and the ability to act on them.