In Matthew 13 in the parable of the sower, competition for space choked out some plants. The believer who develops spiritual fruit will discover he must be set apart from the competition of the world:
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22)
You are not to be conformed to the ways of the world. You are to be transformed [changed] into the ways of God: And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind... (Romans 12:2a)
God clears space around you [sets you apart from the world] to permit you to grow spiritually:
...He shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree and his smell as Lebanon.
They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine...From Me is thy fruit found. (Hosea 14:5-8)