Different Types of Runners

When Jesus gave the parable of the seeds He explained that there are four types of people who start the race. First are the people who get to the starting line; they hear the Word of God but do not understand it, and Satan takes away whatever seed was planted in the heart. These people never get off the starting line. The second group of people are those who start the race with enthusiasm, running hard. But, they have no depth in the Lord. So as soon as trials or tribulations come they walk away and go back in the world. The third group of people are those who hear the word and start the race but soon get distracted by the things of the world; they stray off course. Finally, there are those people who hear the word of God, understand it, and run the race diligently bearing fruit.