In The Weeds

Weeds

Weeds

I hate them.

They’d taken over the backyard to such an extent I was ready to cement it. Patches of weeds sprouted between decorative stone and invasive Bermuda runners held the flowers captive.

I abandoned yard work when I started on my master’s degree. Thankfully, my husband thrives on such projects while I’m holed up writing theology papers. He’s been working since March to clear the weeds. He’s moved wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of rock, set down thick black plastic, and covered it with rock again. The black felt the landscapers used? The weeds shot through it years ago.

The darn things shouldn’t even be here. They’re part of the curse handed out when Adam and Eve sinned. Thanks, guys. So, today, we’re training in the weeds:

  • Pull them: Weeds come with the territory for the unsaved, but if you’re a believer, they need to go. It amazes me how even a weed can be attractive. Many have the tiniest of flowers and who doesn’t love dandelions? But—they’re still weeds. They don’t belong in your heart. They take up space, food, and water that should go to something fruitful. So, pull them—and get the roots.
  • Cultivate fruit: Weeds grow anywhere. Fruit, however, requires cultivation. There’s another reason we work so hard to get rid of the weeds and maintain a perfectly landscaped yard. A well-kept lawn, blooming flowerbeds, and carefully staked gardens not only give edible goodies, but also add a touch of beauty and joy to life. Who doesn’t love to sink their toes into a carpet of St. Augustine, breathe in the sweet smell of honeysuckle, or bite into a homegrown tomato? How much better is spiritual fruit? Weeds make me groan.
  • Choke them: In the parable of the sower, Jesus spoke of weeds, “The one who received the seed that fell among thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.” (Matt. 13:22 NIV) But Neil Sperry says the choking works both ways. A healthy lawn will choke out the weeds. Cultivating a godly character, walking closely with Him, and practicing spiritual disciplines will choke out the bad stuff. Much of sin can be killed by starvation. Feed what’s good, and let the weeds die.

Clean up your spiritual landscaping. Address your weed problem. Pull the large ones. Cultivate fruitful plants. Choke out the rest with neglect. Take your workout into the yard this week.

Nail your spiritual workouts and change your corner of the gym.

Workout of the Week: In the Weeds

Memory Verse: “The one who received the seed that fell among thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.” Matthew 13:22

Meditation Passage: Genesis 3:17-19

Just Do It: Choke out the weeds.

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