Weeds don't leave quietly

It's almost NEVER heard: "I love to weed my garden."

Those who enjoy looking at their yards of grass, trees, or flowers hate how weeds find their way in to spoil the view.

Even houses with artificial lawns can see weeds poking out along the edges.

Weeds grow and multiply WITHOUT human care.

Spiritual weeds are the same.

"I want to grow love, joy, and peace this year," someone announces.

They want some of the fruits of righteousness that are by Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:11

Nice goal.

WEEDS ATTACK

Jesus told a story about weeds.

They're enemies of His fruit.

Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the seedlings. Luke 8:7

These thorns are thorny plants, thorn bushes, or other weeds.

The seed is the word of God. Luke 8:11

The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, 

they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature. Luke 8:14

This story told by the Savior is repeated in the gospels of Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 and Mark. Mark 4:2-9, 14-20

So, it's important.

In fact, Jesus said that if we don't understand this story, how will we understand other teaching stories? Mark 4:13

WORRIES, RICHES, and PLEASURES OF THIS LIFE

These 3 are basic to natural life, aren't they?

Believers are NOT supposed to WORRY Matthew 6:25 but we sometimes still struggle to always cast our care on the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7

Do you think it's true that most people would love to be rich with money, wisdom, knowledge, power, friends, and favor?

And if given a choice among that short list, wouldn't most pick MONEY?

A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry,

but money is the answer for everything. Ecclesiastes 10:19

Most of us work for money and benefits, correct?

Even if we're not wealthy financially, can our pursuit of higher pay and positions (RICHES) choke the word of the Lord in us?

Those of us who aren't trying to climb a promotional ladder, we work our regular jobs (even a 2nd job) and work overtime sometimes.

So many hours spent on the job (even with remote work) and travel to and from there, that it seems almost everything revolves around our jobs.

Who has time to read and study the Bible, pray, and tell the world about Jesus?

PLEASURES

Someone has said that we make time for what's important to us.

If we think about that, most might agree that we live this way every day.

We carve out time for leisure.

Many of us spend hours online because it's where content is that's pleasurable. 

We may not think this chokes the word so that we don't produce the fruit the Father wants. John 15:5, 8 

But Jesus' story says that it can and probably does for most. Luke 8:14

SUGGESTIONS

Whenever we eat food, let's also eat some of the Lord's words. Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4

When we drive, cook, clean, and do other chores, let's listen to the Bible in any format available. Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 11:18-20

Let prayer be in our thoughts or quietly under our breath in our daily lives so that it's continuous. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

PULLING WEEDS

Even in the good soil of an honest and good heart, Luke 8:8, 15 

weeds have to be pulled. 

Paul wrote, 

Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.

Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.

The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.

Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things. 2 Timothy 2:3-7

Does the Lord Jesus Christ consider His followers to be soldiers, competitors, and farmers?

Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Paul also wrote to Christians that they should stop lying; Ephesians 4:25

speak truth with favor; Ephesians 4:25

don't steal but work so there's something to give to help others; Ephesians 4:28

only speak what will give grace; Ephesians 4:29

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in Whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:30-32

James wrote, 

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. James 1:21 

ONE or TWO WEEDS AT A TIME

When I weed a section of my garden, it feels good.

I do another area and also think that I've accomplished something.

But then I notice that weeds have come back in that first location.

"I know I got those by their roots!"

Yes, but nature and life have their ways to still attack us with weed seeds that can grow.

Suggestion: Instead of trying to pull lots of spiritual weeds, pick one or two every few weeks.

Then, replace them with one or two fruit-bearing plants of the Lord.

For example, remove bitterness and rage. Ephesians 4:31 

Then, substitute kindness and tenderheartedness. Ephesians 4:32

We CAN grow fruit for an abundant harvest. Luke 8:8, 15

Your thoughts?

R. Jason