Cyndi and I planted a small garden this year. It is small as we do not have much property to grow a large one. We planted some banana peppers, three tomato plants, some okra and one zucchini plant. We planted; the Lord watered most of it and occasionally we helped when needed. We got a few tomatoes, some peppers, are still reaping okra (and it is delicious), and got a few huge zucchinis.
We did away with the zucchini plant because it was taking over the whole garden. This is the first time we planted this and did not realize that it would crowd out everything else. Before I pulled it up, it was taking up a large part of the back yard (and the back yard is a fairly good size!)
Here are some spiritual lessons that I learned along the way. First, we only planted one small zucchini plant. But, as it grew with huge elephant ear leaves and thick stalks, it soon took over. I realize that sin is like that as well. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (NASB) Therefore, every person sins. The final result of sin is death (Romans 6:23). This death is separation from God. Who wants to be separated from the One who created us and sustains us? Certainly not me!
A second spiritual lesson I learned is that sin can take over our lives. Just as this one plant took over the garden spot, so sin can take over our hearts and harden them so that we no longer want to defeat sin in our lives. Paul told the Colossian brethren, “But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.” Colossians 3:8 These are just some of the things we must do away with and not cultivate in our lives. I wonder if those reading this have ever, or are even now, letting these sins overtake their lives?
A third spiritual lesson I learned is that when the plant was pulled up, the others had room to grow and bring forth their fruit. So, when we get rid of the evil things in our lives, we can allow the more important things to grow in our lives.
The beautiful part in all of this is that Jesus Christ came into our world and died so we would have the opportunity to obey Him and submit our will to His. It begins with us believing in Jesus, the Messiah. Naturally, we must repent of our past sins. We must confess Him before men. And, we need to be baptized to have our sins washed away. When we have done this, we are in the right relationship with God. But, we must now live this in our lives daily. Jesus told the church at Smyrna to, “...Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”(Revelation 2:10b)
Don’t let sin overtake you. Be faithful!