James 1:21 James 1:21 New International Version (NIV)
21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
GET RID OF: remove all that is not good
ACCEPT THE WORD: accept what the word of God tells us, salvation, keep God’s word planted in us
I love to work in my garden. Every year I plant flowers and then get to enjoy the butterflies and hummingbirds as they graze on the lantana and zinnias. It never fails as the flowers grow so do the weeds. They are unwanted, but they are so difficult to remove. They are entangled amongst the flowers, so I have to very carefully pull them out, but yet not pull out the beautiful blossoms.
I dig and dig and tug and tug trying to make sure that I get every bit of the root so that the weed doesn’t sprout up again choking out the flowers. The origins of the weeds spread out across the dirt. Isn’t that crazy. They seem not to grow straight down they grow every which way but loose. LOL! They are tough little boogers to get out.
After working in one of my flower beds, with the help of my best garden bud Keith, we couldn’t believe that within 2 weeks the weeds were back again. Gracious sakes alive. Working in a flower bed is a tough, dirty, hot job.
Do have some weeds that you need to eliminate? Are there some weeds growing that are choking out the life in you? Have they sprouted within your heart then ventured out infesting your whole self with that that doesn’t bring oxygen to your body?
It is time to pull those weeds. There are several different types of weeds. First, there are your REAL WEEDS. You can see them, and you know they are weeds. You know that you need to get rid of them; however, it is uncomfortable and difficult. You then have those weeds that you don’t know are weeds. They disguised themselves as much wanted plants they even grow blooms that can be pretty. They grow the correct way, they add beauty to the garden, but yet they will choke out the real flowers. These are the DISGUISED WEEDS. Lastly, there are the BENEFICIAL weeds, yes some are beneficial. They protect the soil and keep it from eroding. They can bring nutrients to the soil and also attract beneficial insects. These weeds can also help the soil. They may be a weed by nature, but they really do help the garden.
When we begin to look at weeds relating the types to humans and relationships, we can gain insight into helping us grow a beautiful garden.
THREE TYPES OF WEEDS IN THE BIBLE
- Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark (THE WEED)
Paul and Barnabas were a great pair. They had a wonderful friendship. They traveled together preaching the gospel. Many didn’t trust Paul since he uses to be Saul the one who persecuted Christians. Barnabas had to go before him and persuade the disciples to let Paul fellowship with them. On their first mission John Mark, cousin of Barnabas was with them. John Mark didn’t stay on the course he decided to leave and return to his home. Later on, Paul and Barnabas were going on another journey and Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul didn’t like the idea. They decided to split up, and they never saw each other again.
The way I read into this is that Paul was focused on God and what God’s will was in his life. He couldn’t have a weed like John Mark interfering with the journey. So, what did Paul do? He picked up the weed. Was it difficult? I’m sure, remember he and Barnabas were best friends. They had traveled together. Did the separation have to happen? So.
- Judas (THE DISGUISED WEED)
Judas the disguised weed. Judas was chosen as a disciple, but his weedy character showed through. He let Satan manipulate him through his greediness. He betrayed Jesus because of his sinful nature. Judas never really had a relationship with Jesus, and Jesus knew this. Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him. These weeds need to be pulled before their sinful actions harm us.
- Rahab (THE BENEFICIAL WEED)
Rahab wasn’t a very moral woman. Let just say she had customers that would come and see her. Because of this, she would hide Israelite spies in her home, and no one would think anything about men going there. It was her nature to have men around. The Israelites were preparing the invade Jericho. Joshua sent three spies in to investigate. Rahab let these men hide in her home and because of this she and her family were spared when the walls came tumbling down. Even though a weed the Israelites needed her and because she sensed that the Israelites relied on a god worth trusting she turned to the Lord. The weeds that are beneficial we can influence. You are the company you keep. Be the good company and change a weed.
You know the weeds that need to be tossed out of the garden. Yes, it can be difficult to disconnect, hard to quit, or uncomfortable to manage, but the bad weeds have got to go. They are doing you no good. They keep you from having the relationship with the lord that you need to have. So, if the weeds that are growing are people, addiction, financial, jealousy, any sin, pull that weed now. Get rid of it. Remove the weed and repent. God will forgive, and you will grow.
Some weeds, the disguised weeds, you will have to go to God for help. Ask Him for His guidance and that his will be done in your life. Trust me even the most beautiful weeds will come to the surface and show themselves. When they do, you can uproot them. Just have, and you will be able to see clearly.
Then you have the beneficial weeds. What you may have to do is tame these weeds. You want them around, but you don’t necessarily want to follow them. However, you can be an influencer and lead them to be more Christ-like.
Weeding your garden isn’t easy. It takes time and God’s help and guidance. You have to do many of the things that we have discussed. Be mindful of the mind, clean your cup, believe in miracles, come unto Him, and don’t forget you are enough.
Once you get rid of all the weeds in your garden, there will be plenty of room to fill the empty space with the joy of the Lord. It is then that the impressive growth of a plentiful harvest will blossom.
CHALLENGES FOR THE WEEK
- Keep your daily appointment in your garden with God
- Ask yourself, “Do I have any weeds?”
- If you answered yes go to God and decide what kind of weed it is and what you need to do with your weed or weeds.
- Continue to fill cups!
Prayers, love and hugs,
Cupcake
Article
Pulling Up Weeds Tom Fuller Jun 30, 2002
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