In Matthew 1:1-9 Jesus tells of the parable of the four soils, where a farmer plants seed but depending on where he plants, the yield is different. Some seed fell on a path where birds ate it. Some on rocky places that sprang up quickly but died in the heat of the sun. Others fell among the thorns where the plants were choked out. And finally some fell on good soil where it produced a good crop.

The parable is intended to teach us that not all of our actions, no matter how good, will produce good results. There is no perfect formula for obedience. However, we are called to be obedient. It is not our job to decide how and who accepts Christ, it is our job to share about Christ and to be a reflection of Him. When others choose to not follow Christ, it is not our place to judge. We can only share and pray for the Holy Spirit to move in them.