John 15:1-4; Hebrews 12:1-2

“Nip it in the bud.”  This phrase gives a word picture.  Nip the bud on that weed before it blossoms and goes to seed; otherwise, you will have a whole yard full of weeds.  Better yet, grab that weed by its roots to really get rid of it.

Sin can be like that. Drifting away from the Lord can be like that.  You might make a series of seemingly small wrong thoughts and actions, and before you know it, you find yourself very far from God’s plan for you.  James 1:14-15 says, “But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires.  Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.”

So what are we to do?  The Lord has a solution for us!  It requires our effort, but we are not left to deal with sin on our own.  We can throw off anything that hinders our relationship with the Lord. We can fix our eyes on Jesus.  The Lord is the perfecter of our faith, not us.  Jesus told us that if we remain in him, then we will bear much spiritual fruit.  That is great news!  When we put our attention on the Lord and pursue him, he empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own.  He develops spiritual fruit in us that lasts.  Remember that the Lord is for you and not against you.  He wants to help you!

Here are a couple of tools and contemplations to help us deal with the weeds of sin:

• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).”
• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).”

1. Can you describe a time in your life when you did not pay attention to or ignored a problem, and the problem became worse because you did not deal with it sooner?
2. Can you describe a time when the Lord helped you to deal with sin sooner rather than later? How did that help your life?
3. Jesus invites us to remain in him.  What are some ways that we can do that?

• Pull a weed by its roots.
• Ask God if anything is hindering your relationship with him.  Ask him how he wants you to deal with it.  Write down your thoughts.
• If you are struggling with sin, consider sharing with a godly friend who can walk alongside you, encourage you, and pray with you.  

Dear Lord, I was bought with the high price of Your life given up for me. Your life in me has helped me thrive, even through difficulties and sorrow. I proclaim that Your ways are excellent and life-enhancing. Thank You again and again!  Amen