One of the definitions of a weed is “any undesirable or troublesome plant, especially one that grows profusely where it is not wanted”. With that definition, I have a lot of weeds in my yard. Every week as I ride on my mower, I notice these undesirable plants. I see how troublesome they are. And, yes, I see how they grow profusely. I also notice that there are desirable plants growing in places that I don’t want (like grass growing in the seams of the driveway).
This prompts me to do a little wordsmithing to develop a slightly broader definition of weeds … “anything that is growing where it is not wanted.” After all, a desirable plant growing in the wrong spot is really acting like a weed. So, with this new definition in mind, I am challenged to consider where else in my life I have weeds growing.
It should be fairly easy to spot where unwanted things are growing in my life. Not that I’m always mindful of these things, but bad habits, poor choices, unwanted behaviors often stick out like a dandelion in the midst of an otherwise green lawn.
However, it can be difficult to notice when an otherwise desirable thing is becoming a weed in my life.
- If I let a relationship with a close friend stand in the way of my responsibilities as a husband or father, it is acting like a weed.
- When my commitment to my work keeps me from spending time at home with my family, it is becoming a weed.
- If I’m focusing on a hobby, rather than taking care of my home, I might as well be watering weeds.
- When I make commitments to so many things that I don’t have time to spend with Jesus, then those things, as good as they might be, are weeds.
Where are there weeds in your life? What good things might be growing where they shouldn’t? Give it some thought … Perhaps, it’s time to do a little weeding.
Acts 20:32 “…I commend you to God and to the word of His grace…”
