Neal Pollard
Despite drought conditions, we have something growing heartily in our yard. Over the years, I’ve tried to kill it at the roots and find where it is growing. But, it seems more vigilant than I am. Therefore, it is more prolific than ever. It’s a frustrating problem!
I’m referring to Hedge Bindweed, also known as Rutland beauty, wild morning glory, Bugle vine, and Granny-pop-out-of-bed. According to the Washington State University extension, its seed can remain viable in the ground for 50 years! It can spread up to 15 feet and develop deep, strong roots and it can regrow its shoot system in just three weeks (https://smallgrains.wsu.edu/weed-resources/common-weed-list/field-bindweed/). Needless to say, you have got to stay on top of eradication if you ever hope to be successful.
Have you ever observed how there are things in your life that operate that way? Have you ever had a persistent sin struggle, thoughts, attitudes, temptations that you had to continually fight? Perhaps you thought you had conquered it, then in a battle or test you find that it is still there.
This reminds me of a warning issued by the writer of Hebrews, when he said, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled” (12:15). Just like Ezekiel describes Jerusalem as a useless vine (17:1-10), there are sin problems that can sprout and spread and send out branches.
Here’s how it works. We succumb to pride, lust, jealousy, anger, worry, fear, bitterness, or a similar noxious spiritual weed and it takes root in our heart. We feed it, reinforce it, and cultivate it. Or, perhaps, we neglect to remove it and cut it out. Either way, it takes over and even changes who we are. This is not a minor trifle or nuisance. Look in the Bible at individuals like Esau, Joseph’s brothers, King Saul, the scribes and Pharisees who opposed both Jesus and Paul, and you will see how treacherous and deadly these attributes become when they bind to our hearts!
It is most like the thorns in Jesus’ parable of the soils (Mark 4:7), with struggles like worries, deceitfulness, and unrighteous desires choking out the word (Mark 4:18-19). If unchecked, these things can be likened to “bindweed.” They attach themselves to our hearts and minds and they prevent us from being spiritually fruitful. Have you ever seen how jealousy changes a person? Or what pride does in one’s life? How lust dominates and turns one to depravity? More to the point, is there something like this growing in your heart?
The solution is to root it out! Don’t stop with a single effort. It may be a daily battle for the foreseeable future, but keep at it! The moment you relax and think it’s gone, it will begin growing again. Genuinely repent and ask God to help. He has promised to help renew our minds (Romans 12:2). That spiritual invader does not have to win. God wants to help us eradicate it. His Word and His power provide the means! Get the right tools and get to work on killing whatever unhelpful, unholy thing may be spreading in your heart!
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