“The seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it.”
MATTHEW 13: 23 NIV
The fertile soil in this verse is what I refer to as the committed mind—one that’s been cultivated, is ready for the seed to take root, and will ultimately bring forth fruit. This person is teachable—God can instruct this faithful believer in any area.
So how can you cultivate a committed mind? By listening carefully to His message— fixing “your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable” (Philippians 4: 8 NLT). By resisting outside clutter— purposely refusing to entertain frivolous distractions. And finally, by asking the Savior to help you concentrate on His Word and apply it to your life. This can only be done by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ because He is the One who enables you to receive the Word in your inner person.
Friend, cultivate a committed mind by evaluating your life in the light of what God tells you. And be assured, when you obey His truth and submit to His leadership, you will grow into the productive, fruit-bearing believer you long to be.
Father, I devote myself to You—cultivate my mind with Your truth, amen.
In His presence . . . cultivate your mind by dwelling on Him.
Stanley, Dr. Charles F.. Every Day in His Presence (p. 188).