" Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who haears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful." (Matthew 13.22)
As I meditate on this verse, I see that this has happened to many pastors and wives. Through the years of ministry, they allowed the “cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches” to suffocate the Word of God that, from the beginning, was sown within them.
The devil is the "seducer of the whole world". He fell from heaven and is here on earth seducing. If he tried to seduce the Lord Jesus, would he not try to seduce the pastor, pastor’s wife, bishop or assistant?
“and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4.8.9)
Especially those who don't watch are seduced and fall into Mammon's nets. So, we have to be aware that our soul is in danger at all times.
"... And why do we stand in danger every hour?" 1 Corinthians 15:30
We will only relax when our soul detaches from the body and we meet our Lord. In the meantime, we need to watch and fight day after day against the “seducer of this world”, who tries to enter through what we feel, look, think, speak and hear.
“Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.” 1 John 2.24.25
May God bless you more and more!