The Insidious Thing
On my morning walks, I pass by a field where a dandelion grows. But this is not just any dandelion. It’s a bush about five feet tall and almost as wide, with lots of pretty yellow flowers. As spectacular as it is, it’s still just a weed.
It was already pretty stately when it first caught my attention, but it won’t be long before those lovely yellow blooms go to seed. And when the wind blows, watch out! Thousands of dandelion seeds will invade my neighbors’ garden—and mine too! Ugh!
The insidious thing about weeds is that they choke out and take over what the gardener intentionally plants. They are the ruin of many carelessly tended gardens. One definition of insidious is, “proceeding in an inconspicuous, seemingly harmless way but actually with grave effect.” That’s scary, right? I don’t want anything like that happening in my “garden.”
It’s the insidious thing. It’s the little thing that seems so meaningless, so harmless. It may be pretty. It may appear to fit in. It may seem like it’s just in fun. It may seem calming. Charming. Sophisticated. You may think it will take care of itself. You might assume it will go away on its own. But that’s the problem. It really isn’t at all what it seems to be.
Little weeds don’t stay little. Little weeds become big weeds. Always! And they multiply! Worst of all, they choke out and kill what has so carefully and intentionally been planted by the gardener. Eventually the garden begins to look like a weed patch—and no one has ever intentionally planted a weed patch!
As Christians, we have a Divine Gardener on duty 24/7, ready to give us a “free report” daily. But are we listening?
“Good morning, my beloved! Hey, I’ve spotted a few small weeds in your garden that can easily be plucked out. Let’s take care of that together, right now, shall we? If we do it now, they will come out quickly—no need for a shovel. But if we delay, the whole garden will need to be tilled. You don’t want to go through that tough messy job . . . right? So, what do you say, shall we get to work?”
We know it’s true! If we don’t listen and get to work now, it’s going to get a lot worse—and hurt a whole lot more! So do yourself a favor:
Hear His voice.
Hear His heart.
Heed His warning.
“Today, if you hear His voice, don’t harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15).
6 comments
JaneH. | March 17, 2017
I need this reminder frequently. I love the peace He gives me when I'm willing to surrender all. And then through His power "live it out." Thank you sister!
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Barbara | March 17, 2017
All God's creations have value and serve a purpose including the dandelion. Dandelion greens can be part of a salad and cooked. They are loaded with nutrients. Look it up :) Weeding is part of every gardener's responsibilities so do it without complaining and murmuring. The rest of your message is right on.
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Jasper | March 17, 2017
This has made me really look at things so different. If we don't remove the evil from our life, it will grow and take over our mouth. Then do we want to lose everyone we love, but always be lonely. We do need to realize that seed can destroy so many lives. But if we plant the right one... Love spread to every thing we touch. Ahl Jesus is so amazing to love us when we have much short comings. Thank you for reminding me how loved I am....you are beautiul.
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Tammy | March 19, 2017
Thanks so much daily reminders are wonderful
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Janice | April 9, 2017
Thank you for the gracious reminder. I see the Lord doing this in my life right at this moment. I get excited about the outcome.
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Monica Tomchek | April 11, 2017
Awesome!
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