Entangled

by Terry Wane Benton

People with the word of the kingdom of Christ in their hearts do not need to get too entangled in the cares of this world.

"Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matthew 13:22-24 NKJV).

Did you notice how "the cares of this world" can choke the word out of its rightful place in your heart? Our concern for our country is legitimate, but does it consume us? Or, is Jesus preeminent in our thoughts? Is our concern for His church or kingdom much greater than our concern for this temporal land and institutions? It needs to be first (Matthew 6:33). This country is best helped when we can show the benefit of knowing Jesus. All else is "rubbish" (Philippians 3:8ff). We do not need to let the cares of this world choke out the preeminence of our King. The Prince of Peace within us should be far greater than our fears and worries concerning anything else. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts! (Colossians 3:15). Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16) to the point that it has you singing above the cares of this world (Acts 16:25). In that way, our light can penetrate the darkness in our country.