The Footpath

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Proverbs 1:5 ESV

“Truth will always be truth, regardless of lack of understanding, disbelief, or ignorance.” (W. Clement Stone).

What we perceive truth to be can depend upon our upbringing, our environment, our culture, or what we think is fair. Children also may interpret truth in many ways, but truth, especially God’s truth, is absolute. The meaning of truth described in the dictionary reads: the true or actual state of a matter, conformity with fact or reality. To understand means to perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea or the significance of, the importance; to learn to hear.

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them” (Matthew 13:4-5 NLT). Then Jesus explains His parable in verse 19: “The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.”

Have you ever shared the truth of God’s Word with someone who you thought was engaged in the conversation and sincere in listening, when later you find that they really didn’t hear or understand you? It’s amazing to me how quickly our words can be snatched away.

How much more important is the true message of the Kingdom of God. We may hear in the physical sense, but do we hear the Word of God so that we truly understand what He is telling us? Are we guarding our hearts so we don’t get distracted by the cares of this world, or get hardened by continual sin or lack of repentance, pain, anger or bitterness that we haven’t yet faced, or pride that we haven’t yet dealt with? These things can slowly affect our conscience by making it difficult to distinguish between right and wrong. I believe that society today encourages us to be accepting of certain ideas and concepts that are against God’s Word—the truth.

God’s truth will always be absolute. It’s up to us as individuals to “hear.” It’s up to us to keep watch over our hearts. It’s up to us to diligently seek and share the absolute truth of God’s Word.

“My Words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge.” (Proverbs 8:9 NLT).

Lord, we thank You for Your Word. Help us to realize the importance of hearing what You are telling us. We ask for understanding for those who have heard Your message and yet have not made a solid choice to accept Your truth and to follow You. We acknowledge that You are the only Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.