Weeds

I have a neighbor who no longer cares for his backyard.  It was once a well landscaped yard with grass and manicured bushes.  For some reason he decided to stop watering and caring for his yard.  A couple of years have passed and it now is nothing but weeds.  What is interesting is that I never saw him planting weeds.  I have never seen anyone plant weeds.  Weeds just appear when yards are left unattended. 

I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down.  When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:  A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. (Prov. 24-30-34)

Our lives can be compared to yards and gardens.  We must continually be aware of the condition of our hearts, the thoughts of our minds and the words of our mouths.  It is very easy to drift from the ongoing need for the Word and prayer, and find ourselves slowly hardened in our relationship with God.  We don’t plant the weeds of indifference, self-sufficiency and laziness.  They are just a part of the flesh and the corrupt environment of this world. 

What we must do is tend to the garden of our lives:  “strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.” (Col. 1:11)

Patience or perseverance is a daily responsibility.  Don’t let your life be overgrown with weeds.  Check your heart and keep your eyes on Jesus.

That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Heb. 6:12)