Matthew 13:18-23

Matthew 13:18-23
English Standard Version (ESV)

  It's easy to look at people and be jealous.  We often fall into the trap of believing that we would achieve what they have done if only we had their looks or situation or gifts.  What we do is think that we're all meant for the same thing, but someone else has achieved it and we haven't because of their gifts.
  Jesus speaks of the best soil here, and some of those yield a hundredfold, while others yield thirtyfold.  It's different for each person, because we're each called to different tasks, to different missions, to different callings.  We're each gifted differently, and so we have a responsibility to live our own life and calling, rather than sit and be jealous of someone else's.
  We're also charged to pay attention to our surroundings.  When you notice the weeds rising up, find a community to remind you of what's vital.  When you notice the rocks in the soil around you, find a way to anchor yourself in the life-giving Word of God.  When the soil is parched and the rains don't fall, find someone to help you drink deeply from the fountain of living water.  God sows the seed -- may we join together to listen to what God is saying to each of us today.