But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13v23 NIV)
What do you think ‘understanding’ means?
It can have different meanings.
It is not just knowledge.
The heart understands but the mind is dulled.
It is not just your intellect as we generally believe it to be.
Studying the Bible can be based on your intellect and reasoning.
He is looking where the good soil is.
Where there is a heart of understanding.
More than mere intellect.
What He has sown should grow and multiply.
He doesn’t force His ideas on anyone.
But He is looking for those who seek out His plans and His ways.
He has given you the freedom to decide for yourself.
He allows you to chose what to believe.
What you understand is based on what they believe.
You may have decided that you don’t want to hear the truth.
You may be willing but a bit unsure.
Whatever you do, in all your ways, acknowledge Him.
That means pass everything though Him or by Him.
Measure every thought against His thoughts.
Compare what He says about you with what you say about you.
It may seem easy for some to live the Christian lifestyle.
This is not always true.
What you may see on the outside on a Sunday is not indicative of what is really going on.
He looks at every heart.
Seeking those who are willing.
You may well put up a bit of a fight.
There may be a reluctance on the surface.
But He sees a heart hungry for Him.
A desire for a deep and real relationship.
That is the kind of seedbed He is looking for.
Good enough to plant a seed in.
You may not even recognise it.
What you then do with it is up to you.
You may nurture it or not.
Reasons vary.
Everyone gets a chance to hear, see and believe.
He is fair.
Your job is to nurture what He has given you.