The parable of the soils makes this same point (Matthew 13:1-23; Luke 8:4-15). Even when evangelism is effective, people can choose their own responses. Some hearts are like …
- a hard path on which seed has fallen. Like a hungry bird, “the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12).
- rocky soil. “The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away” (Luke 8:13).
- the soil with thorny bushes. “And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature” (Luke 8:14).
- fertile soil. “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15).
In each case, the right message is delivered, yet the outcomes differ greatly. Effectiveness, then, should not be measured by how people respond. In God’s eyes, we succeed when we get the seed of God’s word to human hearts.