“And the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God. Those by the roadside are the ones who hear; then the Devil comes and takes the Word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who, when they hear, receive the Word with joy. And these have no root, who for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And those which fell among thorns are the ones who, when they have heard, go forth and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of life, and do not bear to maturity. But those on the good ground are the ones who, in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Luke 8:11-15
Let’s take a closer look at our scripture to see what Jesus says about the heart issues that hinder the very spirit of discipleship.
I find it interesting that the story starts with the removal of the Word out of a heart, but finishes with a description of an honest and good heart that has allowed the Word to take root; able to withstand the times of temptation. This same heart also withstands the cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and comes to maturity. But the greatest point, I believe, in this story is that the honest and good heart is a patient heart.
So, how does a patient heart overcome all the issues that hinder the ‘spirit’ of discipleship?
The definition of a patient heart is one that is “cheerful, or hopeful” which I believe explains a lot about why in a world that is so full of anger, and violence it is difficult to understand the heart of discipleship.