Good seeds or “weeds”?
Weeds in your flowers or grass? Oh, my goodness! Do I ever know. I transplanted this beautiful decorative grass a year ago along with some of its “brothers and sisters.” But, look what happened? It must have had weeds sown into the dirt when I moved it. I kept pulling the weeds out as they emerged for awhile. But, unlike the other plants, this one soon became engulfed. Now I cannot pull up the weeds without destroying the plant with them. Hmmm … I think there is a Bible truth in there. Remember it?
Matthew 13:24 “The Good Seed” Parable
Indeed, Jesus taught about the wheat and the tares (weeds). Jesus often told parables (stories) to help us understand the truths he taught. In Matthew13:24, he tells a story about a farmer who planted “good seed” with diligence. Yet, his enemy sowed thistles in the wheat at night. When this was discovered, the farmhands asked about weeding the thistles out, but they were told no. If the weeds or thistles were pulled up, the wheat could be pulled up too. The farmer explained how things would be rectified at harvest with the thistles being bundled up for the fire while the wheat would be gathered for its good purpose.
As I reread this story and thought about my ugly ornamental grass, I was reminded of my own life, my “story.” It is being read by those around me daily. If I am not careful, I may let “weeds” grow thick. What I mean is, I can take on the appearance and sounds of those who do not follow Jesus Christ. I can choose to live without spiritual “fruit” (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control — Galatians 5:22-23) while still believing Christ is the Son of God. Or can I?
Why does it matter? Aren’t we forgiven?
I might believe it doesn’t matter, especially if my choices (sins) are unintentional. “Oops! I didn’t mean to!” I know none of us are perfect and I am here to declare I am not! I could believe no one would dare cast stones because we all are vulnerable to do things which are contrary to God’s plans. God’s love and forgiveness are handed to us as gifts of his mercy, undeserved favor. All true.
The Book of Hebrews
Hebrews is an eye-opener for those who think their life choices don’t matter. God has something better for us. He is the better sacrifice for our errors, our sins, our willful ways unlike the sacrifices the Hebrews had to make under the codes of biblical law. With such a wonderful God-sent gift, how can we strike out on our own to make deliberate, ongoing choices contrary to God’s best? I know I don’t want to be one who received the knowledge of truth, but deliberately goes on sinning. Someday I’ll stand before Jesus and will have my life play before my eyes at the judgment. I don’t want to disappoint him. I want to hear him say, “Well done!” Even though I know we have a loving, forgiving God, He is also just.
Therefore … draw near.
Therefore, let’s stir one another to love and good works, encouraging one another as we wait for the Day of His return. (Hebrews 10) I can’t wait to see God’s justice return to our world. I can’t wait for the returning Christ who comes to take up his children once and for all. Be encouraged. He loves you and wants you to draw near even now as we wait for the promise. (James 4:8)
Yes! God the Father is just, Romans 3:26 and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. So our justification was settled at the cross. And here’s more encouragement:
Phil1:6 offers such hope. Being confident of this very thing that He Who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. V13 for it is God Who works in you both to will and do for His good pleasure.
1 John 2:1 If anyone sins we have an advocate Jesus Christ the Righteous. How about Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Jesus tell us re: judgment John 5:22 The Father judges no one but has committed all judgment to the Son. The Bible teaches there are 2 judgments. The first occurs after the Rapture at the bema seat of Christ to assess every believer’s earthly works to determine rewards. 2 Cor 5:10. The grest white throne judgment takes place 1000+ years later for unbelievers.
As we wait expectantly for His return for His bride we can find many reasons to rejoice daily as His mercies are new every morning. Lam 3:23.
Thanks for stirring me up, Joan!
Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes! Therefore, yes, our daily activities, the way we conduct ourselves as children of God, definitely matter. I believe that leading anyone, a believer or not, away from the Gospel truth is more worthy of God’s punishment than anything else we do. That’s two sins wrapped in one: our straying and our leading others to stray.
I do believe, in addition to grace and forgiveness, scripture is clear about our response to a Holy God. I sure don’t want the Lord to see
me trampling on his sacrifice with abandon.