Being Rooted in Christ, Not Riches

“He who has ears, let him hear.” – Matthew 13:9

Those were Jesus’ closing words after telling the Parable of the Sower—a story that invites us to listen carefully, not just with our ears, but with our hearts. Today, we’ll look at this story and what it reveals about the heart behind our finances, especially the warning about “the deceitfulness of riches”.

The Parable of the Sower and the State of Our Hearts

The Parable of the Sower appears in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8. It begins with a farmer scattering seed, which falls on four types of soil. Jesus later explains that the seed is the Word of God, and the soils represent different heart conditions. Some hearts are hard, others shallow. Some are fertile and ready. But one soil in particular draws our attention today: the seed that fell among thorns.

In Matthew 13:22, Jesus says,

“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”

Understanding the Thorns: Worry and Wealth

Let’s break that down.

First, Jesus points to "the cares of the world"—the daily anxieties and distractions that can crowd out our trust in God. Then, He adds “the deceitfulness of riches.” It’s not wealth itself that’s the issue. It’s the lie wealth tells: that more money will bring more peace, that possessions equal security, and that success means significance.

The Bible consistently warns us about that lie:

• Proverbs 11:28 — “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.”
   
• 1 Timothy 6:17 — “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God.”

Wealth deceives us by offering the illusion of control and independence. It tempts us to believe we’re self-sufficient. And when we buy that lie, we slowly stop depending on God. Like thorns in a garden, worldly cares and the lure of wealth take root in our hearts, slowly crowding out our affection for God. The space once reserved for trust and obedience becomes overrun with distraction and self-reliance.

As C.S. Lewis put it:

“Prosperity knits a man to the world. He feels that he is 'finding his place in it,' while really it is finding its place in him.”

Time for a Heart Check

You might be saving diligently, investing wisely, and even giving regularly. But if you’re trusting in your portfolio more than God’s promises—or if your finances have become a source of anxiety—then it may be time to do a heart check. What kind of soil are you cultivating?

When unexpected expenses hit, what comes first—prayer or panic? When you think about the future, is your hope grounded in your retirement account or in the One who holds all things together?

Jesus said the seed among thorns becomes “unfruitful.” The Word doesn’t lose its power, but when wealth and worry take over our hearts, we stop responding to it. Outwardly, we may look faithful, but inwardly, our love for Him is being choked out. 

So, how do we respond?

Jesus points to the solution just a few verses later. In Matthew 13:23, He says:

“The good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit and yields.”

Receiving God’s Word deeply isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifelong process of cultivating the soil of our hearts. It means creating space where God’s truth can take root, thrive, and grow, without being overtaken by competing desires.

Three Practices to Cultivate “Good Soil”

1. Prioritize Your Giving—Start with generosity, not as an afterthought, but as an act of worship. Giving reminds us that money is not our master and that w