The distracted gardener

Image by bmitd67 via Flickr

Weeds! You pull them and they just keep coming back. Early this summer I weeded one of my flower beds. I carefully took out everything that I could see that would even remotely look like a weed. Weeds will take the nutrients that the flowers need and can choke out the plants that I want to grow. Knowing this I was diligent to watch for any new weeds that would begin and immediately take care of the little boogers.

That was until we went on vacation. We had a wonderful time in the sun and i never even thought about my flowers or weeding. Upon returning home I had a little surprise waiting for me. WEEDS! Not just a few! Hundreds it seems have popped up during the time I was gone. How is this possible? Undetected under the surface were weeds waiting for this distracted gardener to look away and poof they began to sprout and grow.I didn't get at the roots and so they just grew back!

Scripture says that sin is just like these weeds.

but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

Sin undetected and unobserved will begin to steal and choke out the good things that God wants to produce in and through us.

Take some time to evaluate your own life.

• Am I harboring any bad feelings towards others?



• Are their hidden sins that I need to confess?



• Am I preoccupied or worried about something?



• Is there an area that I have taken back control of?



• Am I taking the glory, instead of giving it to God?



• Is their an area of disobedience to God's word?



• Have I allowed something or someone to take God's rightful place in my life?



• Is there unforgiveness in my heart?



• Am I giving faithfully of my resources and time?



• Am I abiding in Christ?

This list is just a beginning. Satan is trick and wants us all to be deceived. Ask God to show you your weeds and to dig out the roots that they might have in your life.

Father,

I confess to you that I too have fallen short of who you have called me to be. I have been distracted and not watchful. I ask you today to reveal to me the things that are not pleasing to you in my life. Show me the weeds that have crept in and are choking the good things that you want. I know that it may be painful and I desire for you to pull them out by the roots so that they will be gone. Thank you for promising that you will always be with me. I want to be a ReFlection of you.

Jann