“Therefore, hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 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 13:18-23
On any given day, you can walk around the Alfred D. Hughes Unit (men’s prison unit) and hear one of the many men of the Chariots of Fire: Authentic Manhood program yell with passion, “Get your ones up!” (signified by holding up the index finger indicating number 1)
In Matthew 13:18-23, Jesus tells the parable about a sower and his seed. Jesus teaches us that only one guy in four makes it. The other three get taken out by the world, their flesh, or Satan. We all know this to be true. We all have seen and learned many hard lessons. We have seen many succumb to life’s traps. But we have also seen many rise up and overcome. Life is full of challenges, yet we can have a victorious life in Christ Jesus. I have seen many feel that they must “give up the good life” to wholeheartedly follow Jesus. The Bible teaches us that Jesus not only comes to give us life but to give us life more abundantly.
An abundant life is a more rewarding, satisfying life. A life of significance and meaning can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ. An abundant life isn’t based on our accomplishments or achievements. An abundant life is who we are in Christ, and how we allow Him to love, live, and lead through us.
Don’t chase the next fad. The world is a circus of distractions. Your journey with Christ is the central mission of your life. God’s Word is the seed and He uses the sower. God’s Truth is the only thing that can transform us. The Bible was not written to satisfy our curiosity; it was written to change our life. We are changed by His loving Word.
I remember in Shalom Bible College & Seminary school, a Bible teacher said, “If the plain makes good sense, don’t look for any other sense, lest you wind up with nonsense.” There is nothing to compare with the freedom and life that can be had, but you must choose it. You must guard what has been planted in your heart. Surround yourself with an accountability partner and invite the Holy Spirit into your life daily, so that the seed can grow and bear fruit. You must be intentional. You must reject passivity, or the world, the flesh, or the devil will rob you of the seed that is planted.
Join God’s army! Be a soldier and a disciple of Christ! Go after other men and women. Use the love of Jesus Christ and His living, life-changing Word to rescue others. It will be one of the most exciting things you ever do. Learn how to fight. Put on your spiritual armor. When you see others, let them know to “Get their ones up!” Encourage others to have hope, love, and faith while fighting the good fight. Tell someone you see today – “Get your ones up” – let them know that they are not alone. Let them know that there is one body, one faith, one spirit, one baptism. Now, “Get your ones up”, because we are in Christ!
