"The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom," verse 38.

1. Christian, you are the Lord's planting. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever," 1 Peter 1:23. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen," 2 Peter 3:18.

Within us has been planted a new nature which will manifest itself and which will require us to reject the world and its ways and rather obey God and His law.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," Matthew 6:33. This will bring us into conflict with the world when the world demands that we disobey God and submit to its commands.

This is what happened Peter and John. They put God's kingdom first!

The enemies of the gospel in their day said: "Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men," Acts 5:28-29.

That choice has had to be made by God's people throughout the ages and it has brought suffering, persecution and death to countless multitudes of the saints of God. The time of such conflict draws near again! Have you the seed of God planted within you? Is there a new nature springing up in you? Give thought to this today.