We were driving along US 301 one sunny spring morning when my son, Cole, commented, “Those are really tall, pretty flowers.”
Construction crews had just paved a large sidewalk next to the road and no one had mowed the tall grass alongside it yet. Recent heavy rain and the constant Florida sunshine lent a beautiful, healthy flourish to all the vegetation.
I glanced toward the flowers and frowned in surprise. Instead of flowers, I saw wave after wave of tall, spindly weeds growing along the road, reaching over the new sidewalk. I commented back to him, “Those are actually weeds.”
He was quiet for a moment then said, “But they look like flowers. They have bright colors and everything.”
I briefly explained that weeds do sometimes have bright colors but they choke out the real flowers and take over, blocking sunlight and soaking up moisture. Weeds are typically very hardy and some even have spiky protection on their leaves and stems.
Just like those colorful, overgrown weeds, sin always looks attractive. That’s why we’re tempted. Sin doesn’t seem like it would hurt or that it has the power to take over our life, but it does, and it will.
Satan cleverly masks what can easily consume us in beautiful, tempting packages. Our selfish human nature is drawn to things and people who promise to help us, give us something, or make us feel good. Ultimately sin will cause decay in our soul and separate us from God. What a blessing that God’s Holy Word is the best weed killer on the market!
The Bible provides warning and guidance for how to avoid sin. Most importantly, those who are in Christ Jesus are no longer slaves to sin. Christ-followers have the righteousness of our wonderful Savior and the power of the Holy Spirit within. We’re given new eyes to discern the weeds of life from the beautiful roses of blessing God offers to His children.
Memory Verse:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
– Roman 8:1-2 (NKJV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Loving Father, thank You for the new life You give through faith in Your perfect Son, Jesus. Help us to live and breathe Your Word, and humble our hearts so we hear the Holy Spirit’s voice and guidance. Remind us that no sin is worth the cost, and please give us strength to live Your truth each day….”
Contributing Writer:
Kerry Johnson
A Lamp, a Light, and a Writer
Very good article.
Oh, you are good. I didn’t see it coming. I love wild flowers. Granted, I don’t like it when weeds choke out flowers – and I’ve experiended those weeds tempting me to let them bloom in the spring and summer! I loved the visual!