In the parable of the sower, the Lord described four types of soil. The seed that fell by the wayside, on rocky soil, or among thorns had no lasting growth. Only the seed that fell on good soil was able to produce any fruit.

The parable is recorded in three different Gospels, and it is nice to notice how each one describes the good soil. The seed is identified as “the word of the kingdom” and “the word of God” (Mt. 13:19; Lk. 8:11); and in Matthew 13:23, the good ground represents someone who hears that word and understands it. This is a weighty responsibility, not only for those who share the Scriptures but also for those who listen. If we hear biblical teaching that we don’t understand, are we willing to learn something new, or do we allow the truth to be snatched away? We cannot blame the sower if we refuse to understand the message.

Mark 4:20 teaches that the good ground represents one who accepts the word. In a certain sense it is possible to understand a biblical message without truly embracing it. We must take it in personally, receiving it “as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Th. 2:13). Spiritual growth happens when the message becomes part of us.

Then, in Luke 8:15, those who hear the word also keep it. Here the term “keep” emphasizes not so much our obedience of the Word—though that is important!—but our tight grasp of it. When we have understood and accepted the truth, we should not let it go! This is an active responsibility, not a passive one.

As the Lord said in His commentary about the parable, “Take heed how you hear” (Lk. 8:18). If we are unwilling to understand, accept, and keep the teachings of Scripture, it will be impossible to become fruitful believers.