The Danger of Spiritual Weeds
This summer we did something that I have wanted to do my whole life. We planted a garden. Not just a couple of tomato plants but a wide variety of organic vegetables. It took more work than I anticipated. We have red clay which is not conducive to growing anything. Before planting we had to work with the soil and till it before bringing in soil that we purchased at a garden shop. After what felt like a million trips with the wheel barrel we spent a lot of time working with the soil. It was like performing lawn surgery. I was so grateful when I thought we completed the garden. What I learned in the process is that a garden is never completed. No one informed me about the weeds that we would have to continue to pull up. We found that if you don’t get the weeds they will overtake the garden. I also learned that if you don’t pull the weeds up by the root that they will multiply and come back more quickly. Experienced farmers understand this principle. A garden is never finished. Growth will be hindered by weeds and threatens the life of the garden.
So it is with the spiritual life. Just because someone is born again and begins to grow does not guarantee continued growth. Thinking that spiritual maturity is a point in time or something you arrive at is false. It’s like saying that I planted a garden and it will remain alive. Without water, care and pulling up the weeds it will die. Just like a garden is something we must continue to work, my spiritual life is something that I must continue to pursue. It’s not a point in time, but a continual pursuit of our relationship with God.
What happens when I keep ignoring the weeds? Weeds such as unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, pride, jealously, envy, impurity, gossip, slander, sexual immorality, worry, anxiety, fear, etc. can overtake my life and become a stronghold. When I don’t keep short accounts with God and deal thoroughly with sin I can easily fall totally away from God and the blessing of an abundant life that he desires to give us.
Are there any weeds in your life today that you need to pull up by the roots?