“The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.”
— Proverbs 14:14
People who follow God for a while but later return to their old ways of sinful living are sometimes referred to as “backsliders.” A backslider’s life is eventually filled with negative consequences.
Megan was sad when her friend Tia stopped coming to youth group, where they had both sung with the praise band. Megan continued to sing on youth night, and eventually the band was asked to perform in church. Months later, the group made a music CD. And Tia? The crowd she hung out with preferred parties to church, and one night Tia was injured in a car accident. The driver was underage and drunk. Tia would be in therapy for months to regain the use of her legs.
What happened to Tia was largely the result of her own actions. Actions have consequences, either positive or negative. If a farmer plants weed seeds in his field, she will harvest only a worthless crop of weeds. Sinful living has its own consequences — although God will use those consequences as ways to help us mature.
So pull out the weeds in your life. Plant healthy seeds in their place. Then get ready for a harvest of blessings!
More To Explore: Mark 4:3 – 20
Girl Talk: What weeds are choking out good decisions in your life? Ask God to help you get rid of those weeds.
God Talk: “Lord, there are some things in my life that are choking my walk with you. Please help me get rid of them and plant healthy, godly activities in their place. Amen.”
From Shine On, Girl! by Kristi Holl