How to Pull Weeds
A few of my friends say that I am a little crazy since I love doing backyard work. Although it is a lot like housework (never ever completely completed), there is a lot of satisfaction in ignoring a flower bed after having rid it of weeds and letting the plants that we really want to see show through. Of course, if it is not done on a consistent basis, the weeds really do gain the upper hand. Then, instead of loving backyard work, I find myself wishing for a simple way to produce the result I wish for. Since yet, I have not found a herbicide that will discriminate between what I want and what I do not want, so I am the one who requires to make the judgment and pull out the unwanted growth one by one.
As I operate in my flower beds, I frequently review the fact that Jesus gave many illustrations using seeds, trees, fruit, plants, sowing, pruning and enjoying. As a result of the fall, the ground was cursed and work ended up being an effort instead of a delight (Genesis 3:17 -19). There stays, nevertheless, the beauty of God's production all around us. If we are fortunate enough to have the stewardship of a plot of earth in which we can sow and enjoy, then we partner with God in His garden enterprise.
In my garden, I have encountered a variety of weeds. A few of them have a single root. If that weed is taken out by the root, terrific! If not, it will come back. Others have intricate root systems that make them beside impossible to pull out. They should be dug out. In those cases, I remember that the Lord said that He was going to leave the tares and the wheat to grow together, and do the weeding at the end of time (Matthew 13). In some cases I make a similar choice. I will handle those weeds again and again in order to save the excellent plants that are growing near them.
The task of weeding reminds me of sin. Possibly you, like me, have discovered that weeding, like ridding your life of sin, involves the following.
oWeeding is backbreaking work. If I don't remain alert and "prayed up," sin keeps returning. If I don't keep up with the weeding, the weeds surpass the garden. Vigilance is the key!
oIt helps if the weeds can be pulled up by the roots. If possible, it is best to stop sin at its source. For instance, my nature is to worry and be afraid of unidentified situations. That is the reverse of faith. When fear raises its awful head in my life, I need to go back to the essentials: trusting God! As my hubby says, "Fear and faith can not inhabit the very same space."
oSometimes I need help. The job of weeding is a bit frustrating sometimes, especially because my other half and I take a trip much of the year. Periodically my husband, a friend or a next-door neighbor will sit with me and help me pull out weeds. Also, an accountability partner can typically observe an area that is upseting to God that I have ignored.
oWeeding is simpler if the soil is soft or damp. If you ever tried to pull weeds in hard, dry soil, you know how tough it can be. Similarly, it is much easier to get rid of sin when it is fresh and identifiable as sin. The longer sin is delegated solidify in our lives, the more difficult it is to eliminate.
I started this article by commenting on just how much I like to see new growth and flowers in my garden. That is how I want to end it also. Weeding, both in my garden and in my life, is well worth it.
As I observe the flowers in my garden, I am reminded that a garden is not just one flower. It is many flowers. You and I become part of a huge garden that God has actually planted.
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