When the seed falls on the path, it cannot take root, so it's swept away by a passing bird. Beware of those thoughts which will hinder the growth of your faith. Now we have the example of seed planted on rocky ground which might have a thin layer of soil but no depth. It would start to grow up, but when the sun came out, it would be scorched because it could not reach a water source through the rocky ground. And it would wither from lack of moisture.
Many people receive the word with joy, and it even starts growing.
But they don't allow the seed of faith to blossom in their life. Their Christian experience is a superficial emotional response, and outwardly they appear to be flourishing. But inwardly, they are not allowing God to have control of their lives. They are not really turning their life over to Christ and letting his grace develop in them. They want to be forgiven, but don't want to be committed.