::Pulling Weeds::

You're out in the yard, working. There it sits, growing heartily in your flower/vegetable garden, right where you don't want it!  A weed the size of a pogo stick is staring at you, laughing at you...it's been ignored too long. You sigh deeply, wringing your hands, thinking about the pain it's going to be trying to yank that beast up.

You give it a go.  Straining, tugging, and grunting the whole time.  You come up for a breather, only to discover that your hands are stiff and sore from the strain.  "Oh whatever," you think, "I'll just go get my gloves.  That'll help me grip it better."  And off you trot to get those garden gloves that the nice people at Lowes were only too happy sell you.

Again you try, with more grunts and tugs, but to no avail.  Perhaps you even try wrapping that long growth around your hand...yank.  "Ouch!  Forget that!" you think.  Then, you reach for the big gardener toys...a shovel or clippers.  You almost hesitate digging up the weed, thinking about the eyesore that will be left in its place.  But no, it must come out.  The health of your beloved plants is at stake!  So dig you must.

After the horrid vegetation comes out with ease, you think, "By Jove! (or something like that)  Why didn't I think of this before?  It's much easier!"
Then away you walk, tossing the weed into a trash can.  All the while cheered by your sensible use of shovel.

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Hebrews 12:14-15
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;  (italics mine)

If your mother is anything like mine, you've probably heard this analogy before.  :)



Sin, is a horrible "weed."
Sometimes I notice a little sprout and think, "Gee, I'm kinda busy right now and it's still small.  But I'll take care of it in a few days."  And then (wouldn't you know it?) there I am weeks later trying to rid the yard of a monstrosity. 

My sin is the exact same way.  It thrives on neglect.  Like a weed, it pops up right where I don't want to see it.  I groan after realizing I've allowed it to fester so long.
So I try to yank it out on my own...no good.  My "sin garden gloves" won't cut it either.  Even when I try to "wrap" the sin around my hand for a good grip, it only ends up hurting me.

You see?  I can't rid myself of deep sin roots with my own two hands.  That's usually about the time the Lord gives me the idea to read His Word (use a shovel).  Oh, what a difference a tool it makes!
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (italics mine)
I can use instruction that the Bible gives me against sin, the same way I would a shovel on a weed.
It cuts it!  :)

~Anna
(PS)  Post dedicated to my Mom...I love you!  :)