We are each accountable for what we do or don’t do. If we are diligent and careful in the upkeep…
PROVERBS 24:30-32
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“I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction…”
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
May 15, 2017
Our eyes appreciate a beautiful, well-kept garden. There is something about a manicured landscape that brings a calm and peace to our hearts and minds. I have noticed in nature, as within God’s creation, there is a perfection to the placement of trees, streams and meadows that sits well with us. In fact creation itself can make jealous the most skilled landscape architect to the point he often seeks to mimic what is seen in nature because of its beauty. However, when Solomon took a walk one day, he came across the field of a lazy man and observed something that seemed strange to him. He stood and looked at an unkempt field owned by a slothful man. The man had evidently been irresponsible with its care and as such, it lacked production and beauty. His laziness had abused the land by the simple neglect of investment into it and the non-existent maintenance of it. The result was the overgrowth of weeds and its precious stone wall being broken down.
What we learn from observing nature can in turn instruct us for the better. Like the owner of the field, we must maintain of our own Christian walk because we are responsible for its outcome. We are each accountable for what we do or don’t do. If we are diligent and careful in the upkeep, so to speak, we will reap great benefits spiritually. If, on the other hand, we are sluggish and lazy about our investment and the maintenance of it, we run the risk of losing its benefits and we will see little or no fruitfulness in our lives. The ill treatment, lack of investment and the upholding of what we believe comes at great consequence. If, for example, we neglect prayer, Bible reading, personal witnessing, and fellowship, we will soon see the growth of old weeds springing forth from bad habits. We will not have the energy to get involved in spiritual matters. We will neglect passion for the Lord and caring for others until our once beautiful and well-manicured “field” becomes covered with nettles and its stone wall crumbles. Do not be like the lazy man in your Christian life. Wake up and get to tending the field of your heart before the Master returns and demands an accounting.” ”
– Pastor Jack