The third type of soil was full of thorns. Scattering seed over that kind of land would be unproductive because the ground was not well prepared. It was already occupied; any new seedling would have to fight for space to grow. Jesus used this well-known agricultural scene to teach His trainee apostles. They would be responsible for telling the gospel to the world, and they needed to be prepared for apparent 'evangelistic failure'.
 
'Thorns' in people's lives would prevent the seed of the gospel from growing in their hearts. Even though they have heard the Word they do not allow it to change them. Jesus described the 'thorns' as worries and the effect of wealth. Everybody has some unresolved issues in their lives: from the urgent need to feed the children, to the care for elderly parents, employment stresses or disordered relationships. People worry to try to resolve these matters, and those thoughts occupy all their 'thinking time', so that there is no time to hear God.
 
'The deceitfulness of wealth' is an interesting phrase. It does not mean that money or possessions are wrong in themselves but they can be a focus for Satan's lies: 'you will not have enough'; 'if you have more, then you will be happy'; 'you have all you need, so trust in your wealth'; 'you can make more money to make you more secure'. All these lies are designed to choke the truth that we are designed to depend on God for everything; our future hope and happiness are in Christ alone (Matthew 19:16-22).
 
Much gospel preaching, many Christian books and e-resources communicate the truth about the Lord Jesus and His gospel. A lot of it is heard and read, but little contemplated. God's Word is not allowed to dwell. The truth is not given space to breathe its way into the heart and change the deep desires. That is true about many believers: having started well they allow the self-effort of solving problems and the lies of Satan about wealth to fill their minds. Realising this should make the gospel messengers even more urgent, and believers should be more concerned about seeking the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 6:33) than acquiring money and possessions (Hebrews 13:5). Keep time available to take in God's Word and allow it to have an effect.