I’m in the process of eliminating the weeds in my yard. It’s that time of year where the winter has turned my yard into a mess and I’m trying to bring it back to life! Step 1: get rid of the weeds! Weeds hinder growth. I wish one round of weed killer spray in my yard would eliminate every single weed, but unfortunately it takes multiple times. After that, I’ll begin fertilizing and watering my yard in the spring. There’s nothing quite like sitting back and enjoying the work you have put into your yard after the weeds go away and the green sets in. Getting to that point though doesn’t happen by just thinking about it. It takes intentionality and time.
As I was spraying weeds in my yard the other day, I thought about the Christian life. In order go grow and flourish as a Christian, we are constantly having to put things away, allowing the Lord to have his way in our hearts, to rid us of the things that are blocking the way of healing and renewal. Something has to go, so something better can come in.
In James 1, after James had just spoken about the power of talking less and listening more so God’s people can be patient with one another and not live in anger, he then says this in verse 21:
Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
You can see the pattern here. In order for Christians to love each other as they should, the weeds have to go, so the green grass can come in.
- Weeds = moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent
- Green grass = the implanted word
When Christians actively put away sin in their lives, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and they allow the Word of God to take root in their heart and soul, the healing and power of God begins to happen and we become more like Jesus!
So, what are the weeds in your heart and life? What do you need to get rid of, so God can bring about something new and better? This is a day by day process. Thankfully, eliminating the weeds doesn’t just depend on us. As we surrender to the Spirit, He does the work of making all things new!
Get rid of the weeds!
Grace & Peace
Matthew Weaver 