“As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for the seed that landed on good soil, these are the ones who, after hearing the word, cling to it with an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with steadfast endurance.” Luke 8:14-15 NET https://bible.com/bible/107/luk.8.14-15.NET

The parable of the sower is the story of man’s response to God’s word as it is delivered to the ears of men by faithful workers of God. The final two responses are from people who seem to be Christians. The first of these last two fails to develop fruit, they have no evidence of their belief because they are too busy solving the problems created by their pursuit of non-eternal things. These people are worldly. They like God, possibly love God, and believe in God but don’t work for God. They don’t have any proof that their faith is genuine because they don’t discipline themselves at the work of bearing fruit. Fruit is the multiplication of our lives. Fruit is seeing others come to faith and grow in Christ. The tree bears fruit so that the fruit’s seed will produce more trees that will bear fruit. These worldly believers have no one they can point to who has come to faith because of their witness and work. Those who are genuinely Christian have evidence of their Christianity because they can point to others who are also followers of Jesus because of their prayers, love, and witness to Jesus. Some have seen more people come to faith than others, but all those who genuinely love God and obey His commands work diligently and faithfully to see people come to Christ and obey His commands proving they are disciples of Jesus.