Weed Eater

So just like there are fruits of the Spirit, their are weeds to the Spirit. These are those traits that are anti-fruits. They seep into our lives and choke out what is meant for good. The fruit of the Spirit are those traits that help us be better in Christ and therefore better toward others. These weeds and pests that come into our minds, and lie dormant in our hearts, make us feel further away from Christ. This often causes us to not be our best when interacting with others. They are relationship killers because they take us to a space that pushes us away from Him and the rest of His creation.

People are working your nerves. You pray God's strength to not cuss anyone out. They keep trying you, over and over again. You're tired. The weed of anger and rage pops up, looking to latch on to your fruit of Forbearance. You hear a voice say, "Get'em." You wonder, "Why?" And then you feel it. Your blood boils. Your hands get hot. You've kept quiet and taken their mess for too long...

Someone close to you is abundantly blessed. Someone you love is experiencing a fruitful season. Lying in wait, the weed of jealousy begins to wrap itself around your fruit of Goodness. First, you find yourself shutting down and not congratulating them. Then, you make side comments or say things to other friends that belittle their accomplishments and blessings. You want those things for yourself. They don't deserve it. Why not you?

You are feeling stifled at your job. You are ready for a change or a promotion. Another co-worker goes on a streak. They shine. You second guess your ability. The weeds of self-doubt and low self-esteem seep into your fruitful garden and sucks the life out of your Joy. You find your attitude at work changing and your work ethic begins diminish. You couldn't do it anyway. You aren't a leader. You're meant to be where you are. Let them have the promotion. Just go ahead and give up.

You're happily married. Your spouse is a great partner. They support you and hold you down, no matter what. Sure, they don't look the same as when you first fell in love, but they're still a catch. Things couldn't be better on the home-front. Then, someone gives you the attention you didn't know you were missing. Or shows you the body or face that you can't tear your eyes from. You try to avoid them, but they keep popping up. Soon, the weeds of lust and adultery start to sprout up. It's innocent. You are talking more often. Butterflies form when you see them. It's just in fun. Flirtatious conversation ensues. We're just friends. A kiss. A hotel room. No one has to know. The color drains from your fruit of Faithfulness. It begins to slowly turn until, from the inside out, it completely rots.

These weeds are real. Mark 7:21-22 tells us that they live in our hearts. That would explain why the fruit of the Spirit is so hard to obtain. It has to fight for survival! These weeds play no games. They grow at an alarming rate. When they come in, we have to be on guard to kick them out. In order for us to get rid of them, we need weed kill and brush control-the kind that is only found in the Word. We have to arm ourselves with God's power. We have to spend time with Him and ask for His discernment in our lives. When we find our fruit being choked by weeds, we have plenty of time to save it. Unlike earthly fruit that falls, then fails and rots; our fruit comes from the Master Gardner. We have to allow Him to prune us and take away those pesky things that distract us from being a display of His glory. How? Prayer and meditation. Reading and doing His Word. Relying on the help of trusted confidants and advisers to water us and replenish us when in need. The weeds are going to come. How large they grow and how long they last is up to us. Today, I pray today that we snatch those things up by their roots and toss them out of our Godly Garden so they we remain righteous and ripe for His glory. Stay Fruitful. Be Blessed. XOXO