Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up (Matt 13:3): this is when one hears the word of God and doesn't understand, and the wicked one comes and snatches what was sown in their heart (Matt 13:19).
Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away (Matt 13:5-6). This happens when one hears the word and receives it with joy but has no root in himself and endures for awhile until tribulation or persecution rises because of the word, and they become offended by it, and turn away (Matt 13:20-21).
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them (Matt 13:7): this is someone who hears the word, and the cares of this world and money being the root of all evil choke the word and he becomes unfruitful (Matt 13:22).
But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold (Matt 13:8). Someone who has receive seed into good ground is he that hears the word, and understands it, and bears fruit (Matt 13:23).
In order for the word to flourish, the mind has to be prepared for hearing and understanding the word of God. A stubborn and rebellious heart CANNOT receive the Word! And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom 12:2).
You can post and "like" all the Scripture statuses and photos you like, you can wear all the Christian jewelry and clothing you want, you can faithfully attend all the church services and participate in the choir and sing, "Lord, Lord," but if you are NOT right with the LORD, God Almighty; your prayers and VAIN public display are not heard, nor seen by THE FATHER!
How can we be right with God? By wholeheartedly repenting of all our sins (no, your repentance prayer that you recited when you were five doesn't count!), surrendering and submitting to His perfect will by denying ourselves, taking up our cross DAILY, and following Christ by OBEYING Him. If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). As new creations in Christ, our only desire is to please our Master. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22). Christ wants everything, or nothing.
How can we be right with God? By wholeheartedly repenting of all our sins (no, your repentance prayer that you recited when you were five doesn't count!), surrendering and submitting to His perfect will by denying ourselves, taking up our cross DAILY, and following Christ by OBEYING Him. If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). As new creations in Christ, our only desire is to please our Master. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22). Christ wants everything, or nothing.