R&R

 

Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 
Mark 4:18-19 NKJV

During winter, when the weather warms up even for just a day or two, people want to be outside for a little R&R. No, not rest and relaxation. I'm talking about reduction and reproduction. It's a good time to cut the deadwood and parasitic weeds and stalks from the fence and surrounding areas. If we don't do it every year, it's twice as much work.

Our Christian walk can be just like that. We've got the deadwood and old roots from the winters of our lives, and instead of plucking them out and preparing the soil of our hearts, we leave them... and nothing new grows, except weeds that choke out whatever the good seed might have produced. 

And I can't find one Scripture that tells me that God wants us to be unfruitful. It's not in His plan. Everything was created to produce and reproduce after its own kind. We are to reproduce in others what God has produced in us - be it peace, love, joy, deliverance from anger, longsuffering, compassion, mercy, grace, forgiveness... 

Do not let the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the Word. The Truth is unless we find the time - MAKE the time - to tend to the seed, we will be reduced to being unfruitful. Our choice...reduction or reproduction?

Prayer:

Father,
            Forgive us for not being good stewards of what You have produced in us. Teach us, Lord, to plant better seed and tend to it faithfully in order to bring You a better harvest. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen