The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity (Luke 8:14).
There were different reasons people joined themselves to Jesus and there were different reasons they left following Jesus. One of the reasons that Jesus stated for the later was concern for this life. This concern was further subdivided into 3 distinct areas: general concerns for this life, pleasure, and money. These 3 are not evil in and of themselves, but are feelings that distract us from walking with God and seeking His kingdom.
Jesus told his disciples to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then, these things would be added as well. But when people focus on life's concerns, pleasure and money; the spiritual things of God are choked out and left behind.
Jesus did not see the possibility of serving money and serving God at the same time. For him, it was one or the other.
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