Section 6
on the surface, but underneath it is full of rocks. It is not possible for Christ to grow in this kind of heart. A person with such a heart may receive Christ and be saved; however, it will be difficult for him to grow in life. Because of the rocks, it is difficult for Christ to grow in the heart signified by the rocky ground. Matthew 13:5 describes this kind of heart as rocky places, which do not have much earth. This signifies the heart that is shallow in receiving the Lord's word. Such a heart is shallow because deep within are "rocks"— hidden sins, personal desires, self-seeking, and self-pity—which frustrate the seed from gain ing root in the depths of the heart.
Luke 8:7 says, "And other seed fell in the midst of the thorns, and the thorns sprouted up with it and choked it." Concerning this, verse 14 explains, "And that which fell into the thorns, these are those who heard, and they are choked by the ongoing anxieties and riches and pleas ures of life, and do not bring any fruit to matu rity." Here we see clearly that the "thorns" signify anxieties, riches (in particular, the deceitfulness of riches—Matt. 13:22), and the pleasures of life. These things choke the word and prevent it from growing in the heart and becoming fruitful.
The fourth kind of heart is that signified by