Lord Jesus mentions about four categories of people. The first group of people hears the Word of God very casually. In today’s context, people hear various preachers through the TV or radio. They do not pay attention to it many times. Satan takes away from their mind what they listened casually.

The second group of people listens to the Word of God joyfully. They appreciate the speaker and show interest in the style and language. But they do not meditate upon them and fix them in their hearts. So when problems come, they get disturbed, criticize the preacher or the Word or even blame God and drift away from their faith.

The third group of people listens to the Word of God and even grows in their spiritual lives. But they remain fruitless and exhibit stunted growth because they allow the pressures and pleasures of life to dominate them. The fourth group of people is those who listen to the Word, anchor them in their minds and so stand steadfast in their faith in all situations. They produce a bountiful harvest of souls.

Friends, to which of the above mentioned categories do we belong? Let us not merely listen to the Word but let us be practical. Let us take two major decisions today. First, let us increase our Bible reading time. Let us memorize a new verse each day. I’ll give you a small hint to help you in this regard. Write the verse in a piece of paper and carry it in your pockets and purses. Read it and be reminded of it amidst your busy schedule. Second, let us do what the Word says. Let us be practicing Christians. If the Word of God gets deeply rooted in our minds, then we will not be shaken by any storm in our lives. Instead, our lives will be steady and firm – making us definitely fruitful.