One of my favorite parables is the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. I won’t go into too much detail explaining the parable, but the basic theme is our response to the Word of God. As the farmer spreads his seed, the seed falls on four different soil types. Some seed fell on the path, some on rocky ground, others fell among the thorns, but some seed fell on good soil. The seed that fell on the good soil multiplied and produced an abundant crop. Jesus didn’t often explain his parables, but in this case he did. In the three examples of the seed that failed to multiply because of bad soil, we find the vast majority of humanity. The Word of God is always speaking, and most people are constantly rejecting it. But listen to what it says in Matthew 13:23, as Jesus explains the parable. “But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it.” What sets the good soil apart is that it is symbolic of the spiritual man. No unregenerate man can hear the word and understand it because he does not have the Holy Spirit. It is only as the Spirit of God illuminates and breathes his life into ours, that we can truly understand and produce a harvest of fruit and righteousness. In conclusion, let me just say this: GOD HAS SPOKEN! How have you and how are you responding to Him? If, as you examine your heart, you find that your response does not fall into the “good soil” category, then I would strongly suggest that you pray and ask God for his Holy Spirit to come into your life and illuminate your heart.