After the end of a hard day, my husband and I like to walk and view my flower garden. He found this unusual plant growing where there used to be barren ground and asked me what I had planted there. Although it was green and full and seemed to blend in with its surroundings, I knew right away that it wasn’t a plant. It was a weed. I had not noticed it growing right along the sidewalk, in plain view. It made me realize how quickly little things can grow and develop in my own life if I am not paying close attention. When this weed began its ascent into the world, it was tiny and easily uprooted and discarded. But now, after weeks or even months of anchoring itself into the ground and leeching vital nutrients from nearby plants, I knew it would be quite a task to remove. Sin affects our lives in much the same way. It often begins in unnoticeable areas where we have let our guard down. Unaware or even uncaring that these little misdeeds have crept in our hearts, we continue on in our daily lives oblivious to this growing evil. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:8-9). The bible is very clear, “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). Even though none of us are without some type of transgression, the truth is that all of us are capable of being a people who can do a better job of paying closer attention to our minds, our speech, our actions and our heart. Failure to recognize our areas of weakness and deal with them the moment we find them will only lead to lives filled with hurts, disappointments and lack. Not at all what God had in mind for you and me when he saved us.
“My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart; for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:20-27).