Jesus shares a parable of the Sower with His disciples; It gives us a clear view of the true state of many believers. Jesus shares FOUR types of Hearts, and I want to share my understanding of each of them in different posts. 

The first is the Way-side Heart (WH). 

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. (Luke 8:5, 12)

What happens to the seed on the Way-side? It is trodden and devoured.

Who attacks, and Why does it happen? The devil steals the Word, so the person does not believe with his heart the saving word of God.

The natural state of man is sinful. He is inclined to the world and the things of this world (1 John 2:15-17), with no hope of eternal life. He is living in a terrible darkness, one in which God rescued us from as believers. The depravity of sin and the reality of hopelessness in man was so horrible that it took God to send His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross.

The precious blood of Jesus has sealed us for eternal life. The victory on the cross, the resurrection of Jesus on the third day has set billions free all across the world as they repent and confess Jesus as Lord of their lives. Who are the New Testament believers? They are a people who never went after God or even knew Him (Romans 10:20).

We are living in a world which is exploding with information and a whole lot of chaos. Everyday is an increasing challenge for the worldly man. The Godly man, as he lives for Christ, no matter what the suffering is, is led in His Joy (James 1:2). In the power of His Holy Spirit.

In context of the WH, he is a believer who is still in an unsaved state. He is easily carried away by the affairs of this life. Still entangled with his past lifestyle (2 Timothy 2:4). The person lacks the understanding in the Word of God.

For they are a nation devoid of counsel, And there is no understanding in them. (Deuteronomy 32:28)

This type of heart is in a deceived state, he thinks he loves God, in reality still enjoys the entertainment and knowledge of this world. You won’t find much difference between this WH believer and the worldly. He is a 'Sunday believer'. He believes in God but no good works - James 2:19. His faith is not rooted to produce any good for the Lord.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26)

The moment this “believer” steps out of the church hall, chats up on politics, sports, issues that have nothing to do with God’s Word or call upon his life. All this talk overwhelms the heart of whatever he hears in the sermon or reads from the Word. Then comes the Satan to steal the Words of God before it finds space to root itself.

We know Satan's only goal is to destroy mankind. The Word says, the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The devil first steals the Word from the heart and mind, kills the spirit of man, eventually destroys him. 

Ten leper’s called out to God for their healing. Jesus healed all. Only one returned to thank him (Luke 17:12-19). Those who have a WH are people who seek God for healing, financial blessings, etc. the moment they get what they need, they forget God.

How is your heart today? 

What does Jesus say about loving God? Love Him with ALL your heart. 

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew‬ ‭22:37‬

You may be new in Christ.
You may be struggling to understand the word of God.
Maybe you aren’t very smart or intelligent according to the standards of the world or even your own (carnal) expectations. It does not matter!

God needs your heart. Give your heart to Him and He will change you forever. Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it comes the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). The heart is deceitful above all things, says Prophet Jeremiah, in Jeremiah 17:9.

I tried changing my heart to suit the people and situations in my life. I failed miserably. Till my Loving Heavenly Father drew my eyes on Jesus. As a believer I'm blessed to live this life in Christ, and it is my earnest desire to draw every non-believers attention to seek Jesus in their hearts. He is real; and will transform your life forever in Him. Like He did mine, and helps me to grow in Him daily.