Those who hear God’s word, but fail to observe it in their lifestyle, are often incapacitated and fruitless because they give up over every little difficulty or challenge. They are not ready to endure or resist temptation. For a moment, they hear the word and rejoice; later, they go back to the world. Jesus gives reasons such people are incapable, fruitless and heedless.

One, they received with gladness for a time, but later abandoned the faith (Mark 6:20,17,18). Herod once appreciated John “and heard him gladl,” but lost interest when the latter confronted him with the truth about his unlawful marriage to his brother’s wife. Like him, some people rejoice when they hear the gospel, but lose interest when they hear teachings against polygamy, idolatry and occultism.

Two, they had no thorough conversion and total cleansing from their covetousness. Although Simon had been converted, baptised and was following Philip everywhere, corruption was still in him.

Three, they had no root in personal conviction. They fall away from the faith when their spiritual mentors are not in sight. Parents should, therefore, ensure that they do all they can to make their children develop personal conviction and be able to stand, even when they are long gone. As we labour for them to prosper in their endeavours, so must we also labour for their spiritual stability.

Four, they could not endure persecution, because they are too delicate to face persecution. They cannot stand the gossip, insults and assaults of the world. Five, they are encumbered with the cares of this world. Some so-called believers are still concerned about the things of the world like unbelievers, forgetting that our paths are different. We have heaven to gain, but they are on the broad path that leads to destruction.

Six, they are blindfolded by the deceitfulness of riches. They are occupied with the desire to make wealth at the detriment of their souls and heaven is not their priority.Honest hearts are believers who hear the word, receive same and bear much fruit. “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

God wants us to bear much fruits of Christ-like character; bear moral, positive, practical and influential fruits. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

What makes anyone to bear fruit is the condition of his or her heart. The heart that bears fruit is: One, contrite (Isaiah 57:15). These hearts hear the word and their hearts are broken. Two, convicted and converted (Acts 2:37,38,40-42). The God’s word brings conviction in their hearts, which leads to confession of their sins and their eventual conversion. Three, cleansed and prepared (Psalm 51:10,17; Job 11:13,14). We bear fruit when those things that could have choked the word are cleansed from our hearts.

Four, humble and tender (2 Chronicles 34:27). If our hearts are tender, whenever we hear God’s word, we will endeavour to adjust our lives and pattern it according to God’s dictate. Five, purified, sanctified and circumcised. “And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live” (Deuteronomy 30:6). Six, obedient and free from sin (Romans 6:17,18). An obedient heart trembles at God’s word and receives help to be free from sin. Seven, believing and receptive (1Thessalonians 2:13). As you receive the totality of the Word, it bears abundant fruit in your life and ministry, which in turn, transforms you into a veritable witness for Jesus Christ.

• Further reading (King James Version): Mark 4:10-20,34; 7:17; Matthew 13:36; Mark 7:18; Acts 8:30,31; Luke 24:45,27; Acts 23:28. Mark 4:10-13; Matthew 13:13-15; Acts 28:25-27; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:12; Genesis 19:14-16,24,26; Hosea 8:12; 2 Timothy 3:7; Hebrews 2:1-3.Mark 4:16-19; Acts 8:13,18-23; 2 Chronicles 24:2,15-18; Galatians 6:12; Luke 21:34-36; Ecclesiastes 5:10,15,16; 1 Timothy 6:9,10; Colossians 3:1,2; 1 John 2:15-17. Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15; John 15:2,4,5,8,16; Colossians 1:10.