What’s in your garden?
Have you ever noticed that weeds don’t need any assistance to grow, even flourish, and take over any given space? Meanwhile, the plants we want require care and attention. As I prepare to go out and tackle the weeds today, I reflect on how many parables Jesus told relating to weeds, good soil, and harvest. Weeds need no special care, in fact, they thrive best when left alone! Cultivating a harvest, on the other hand, involves work!
Our Christian life is the same. Growth occurs with intention and diligence. Simply “going to church” is not enough to keep the weeds out. Neither is keeping busy with “good activities for the church.” In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis explores the world and logic of demons. Screwtape tells his nephew, Wormwood, that he doesn’t need to focus on keeping his “patient” away from the church, but rather, he needs to keep him busy. When we fill our days with activity and noise – even good things – but neglect to spend time in prayer and Bible study, we are letting the weeds grow. When we fill our days with appointments, chores, and work without being still, the weeds spread.
When God gave the Israelites the Law, He said, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7). This indicates an ongoing conversation! When we get to the prophets, approximately 1000 years later, this practice seems to have been neglected, even forgotten. Israel let the weeds take over the garden. The few faithful workers couldn’t do enough to clear the weeds. A few plants remained healthy and strong, but the weeds had choked out most. In other words, the people of Israel refused to listen to the Word of God, preferring the noise of idolatry and sinful living. It’s much easier to say, “I don’t believe that way anymore” than it is to admit wrongdoing. This week, we finished Ezekiel, read all of Daniel, and started Hosea. Each of them was given a message. Each of them also were told their message would not be heard. They were given assurance of what was to come, for those who repented and those who refused. As we continue reading through the prophets, let us look through the lens of the Gardener and the parable of the sower. Which soil are you? How can you cultivate a better harvest?
I just read the most inspiring post about cultivating a garden of personal growth and it made me reflect on my own life – I realized that I’ve been neglecting my own “garden” lately and it’s time for me to start pruning the weeds and nurturing the good things that bring me joy. As I read through the post, I felt a sense of longing to have a deeper connection with nature and with myself, and I’m excited to start implementing some of the tips and strategies mentioned in the post to create a more intentional and meaningful life.
Your words inspire me to take a closer look at what I’m nurturing in my own garden and how I can cultivate it with more intention and faith. Thank you for sharing this beautiful perspective!
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Thank you!
Thanks for making my day better with your sense of humor. You’re Awesome
Keep up the good work!
Nuevoly recently posted…Aleppo Pine: The Ultimate Care And Growing Guide
If you enjoyed this one you might like “The Reluctant Gardener” which I wrote this year.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this article. I’m eager to read your next piece.
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Comment”Growing Up in the Lord is an enriching journey that shapes not just our faith but our entire lives. This blog beautifully encapsulates the profound experiences and lessons that come with nurturing a spiritual connection. The narratives shared here resonate with the shared journey of navigating life’s twists and turns while anchored in faith. It’s a heartfelt reminder that growing in the Lord is a continual process, marked by grace, love, and a deeper understanding of our purpose. Truly inspiring reflections that speak to the heart and soul. Thank you for sharing this uplifting perspective!”
YES! Thank you for stopping by! I need to re-read Screwtape Letters, and read it with my kids.
Angie, what a powerful post. It’s been years since I read The Screwtape Letters but it had a great impact on my thinking. It is so easy to get busy doing, doing, doing instead of cultivating roots that go down deep. Thanks for sharing.
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