“And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
“For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.” —    Mark 4:24-25 (KJV)

Let us also read this scripture from the Amplified version:
“And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you — and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.
“For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away [by force].” — Mark 4:24-25 (AMP)

At present, we as men have the law in our own hands. We can do as we will. There is no compulsion laid upon us. We can measure out to God what measure we will. If we choose to profit, to let His words sink into our hearts, to bring forth fruit to His glory, it is — through His grace — in our power to do so. If we choose to procrastinate and put off the dedication Christ requires, then we shall suffer.
Under the influence of the life-giving word, the rocky soil in a hardened heart may become deep, rich and stable. The roadside shall no more be trodden. The thorns shall be rooted out. Not even deep sin can hinder the power of God’s word.
The word’s effectiveness within the heart is so marvelous that it gives itself to its control. The publican becomes an apostle; the shameless sinner becomes a deeply-loving disciple. Therefore, we now are the meters. You can refuse or accept — i.e. develop or utterly stifle — the results of the heavenly seed. Just remember, as we now deal with God, in that same measure will we be dealt with hereafter.
The nature of Christ’s teachings is such that, if a man with sharp ears and an attentive spirit listens and takes into his heart what he understands and lives thereby, the amount of what he understands is sure to grow. A door shall open to the one who intently hears the word.
Just as when we step out of a lighted room and look up into the depths of the heavens above us, all seems obscure.  But as we gaze, the focus of the eye changes, and we see beautiful stars above sparkling in glory.
So, too, with our eternal souls we must take heed to the words of Christ.
“For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away [by force].”

Bradeen is pastor of House of Prayer Christian Church and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.