GoMix Christian Radio

Spring is probably my favorite time of year. I love the flowers, perfect weather, and bright colors. Unfortunately, we do have to take the bad with the good. Spring also brings itchy eyes, runny noses, and sore throats. We are at the latter end of the season, and summer is around the corner. Some flowers and plants stay pretty in spring and summer, but there is one type of plant I wish would not flourish. According to Scripture, it has been here since the beginning of time and will remain until the Lord establishes His Kingdom. It came as part of the curse, the notorious weeds.

 Weeds are a constant source of frustration and pain. They take over flower and vegetable gardens. Weeds grow everywhere, even in sidewalk cracks. They are relentless. We can spend all day pulling them out, only to see some we've missed and new ones sprouting up the next day. I've seen a briar suddenly grow three feet overnight.

 I find myself wondering why the vegetables and flowers don’t grow that fast. We never water the weeds. In fact, we try not to encourage them to grow. They far surpass the plants we are trying to nourish. We water the flowers, corn, tomatoes, and peppers. We plant the flowers in areas that receive the right amount of sunlight. No matter what we do, there are always more weeds. Pulling weeds is hard work, and the longer we leave them, the tougher it is to get rid of them. When they take root, they steal nutrients from the soil and hurt our harvest.

 In our Christian walk, it seems there are always weeds trying to steal our joy and damage our testimony. Ephesians 4:25-32 gives us instructions on how to avoid letting the weeds dominate our Christian walk. Many types of weeds grow in our yards. Some, like the dandelion, are even pretty. However, no matter how pretty or helpful it is, if it is out of place, it is a weed. An oak tree can be a thing of beauty, but not if it takes root in our tomato patch. Likewise, good things can also hinder our Christian walk if they are not God’s will for us.

 One of the worst weeds we have in our lives is the inappropriate use of our tongues. When I share devotions with my students, I often remind them that our words are the most dangerous weapons that we have. Once a word is spoken, it cannot be taken back. Verses 25, 26, 29, and 31 warn against the dangers of the tongue, along with James 3. Words can be hateful or flattering, but any word used with malice is a bitter weed.

Ephesians 4:31 states, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice.” Verse 29 warns us to let no corrupt communication proceed out of our mouths. These elements are all weeds that are tangled in our hearts. When we allow bitterness to build its walls around our hearts, it stifles our ability to love unconditionally. How can we love if we are eaten up with hard feelings toward someone and refuse to let go of the bitterness? When we keep talking about what someone did to us, whether it was 6 days ago or 6 years ago, we reveal unforgiveness in our hearts. This creates a wall of bitterness. The weeds mentioned in verse 31 are very difficult to root out. That’s why it’s so important to forgive quickly and forget it. Bitterness affects everyone around us. Our loved ones are often hurt by our bitterness toward others. How can we truly love if half of our hearts are closed off?

 Holding onto bitterness damages our effectiveness as Christians. Our fruit will no longer be sweet because our joy is no longer evident. Go ahead and forgive those who have wronged you, and uproot those roots of bitterness from your heart.

 Of course, there are many other weeds we can allow into our lives: selfishness, worldliness, covetousness, jealousy, lust, and the list goes on. When we harbor unconfessed sin, it begins to take root. Ephesians 4:30 tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. How do we grieve Him? We let the roots grow and push Him out of our lives, breaking fellowship with our Lord.

 What is the best way to get rid of weeds? We need to use plenty of weed killer. Which brand is the best? Only one brand works on this type of weed. The only answer is prayer, Bible study, and staying in constant fellowship with our Savior. Death to the weeds ensures our death to self.

 Romans 12:21 states, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” How can we possibly do this? Root the weeds out of our lives, and we will be able to overcome!

Dr. Worthington has five children and twelve grandchildren. She serves as Principal of Pathway Christian Academy in Goldsboro.