The Parable of
the Weeder
by Karen Renfro
A gardener went out to weed in his garden. As he weeded, he noticed that the
weeds grew as well in the soft good earth as the seeds he had planted. Great
care had to be taken not to unearth the valuable plants.
Some of the weeds also grew up from the stony, hard ground where they were
difficult to remove because their roots had a stronghold. Some weeds were prickly,
causing pain to the gardener. A spade and a thick pair of gloves were needed
to rid the garden of their presence.
Weeding is a continuous process. Unless the gardener keeps them in check, they
spring up by the hundreds and his field will have no yield.
If you are wise, fellow gardener, you will listen. The parable is this:
The weeds are those things that choke our spiritual life:
Neglecting the Word of God - either by not reading it or disobeying the truths of it
Hard heartedness - anger, unforgiveness and jealousy all lead to bitterness, which hardens the "soil" of our heart
Little things that go unnoticed - these may even be good things, but when allowed to control, they become idols.
Weeds are easier to remove before the roots have had a chance to gain a foothold.
Allowing weeds to grow in our life affects not just ourselves, but others as
well.
Be faithful and honest, obedient to the Word,
that you may keep your heart "weeded" and bring forth fruit.
"Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time."
Hebrews 12:15 (from The Message Paraphrase)
(Inspired by the parable of the sower found in Matthew,
Mark and Luke)
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