“3 Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn’t much soil, and they sprang up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered. 7 Others fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them. 8 Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop: some 100, some 60, and some 30 times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:3-8)
Three Steps That Will Revolutionize Your Marriage & Relationships:
- Embrace the journey of weeding.
“1 There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven … 2b a time to plant and a time to uproot.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2b emphasis added)
“10 Summoning the crowd, He told them, “Listen and understand: 11 It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. 12 Then the disciples came up and told Him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard this statement?” 13 He replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone! They are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:10-14)
- Look-out for the seeds that you allow to take root in your life/relationships.
“Others fell among thorns, the thorns came up and choked them.” (Matthew 13:7)
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease.” (Genesis 8:22 emphasis added)
“A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10)
Question: What is choking or keeping God’s seeds and plants from growing in your life and relationships?
- Be willing to uproot the weeds in your life/relationships.
What you don’t uproot can destroy the life God intended you to have.
“1 Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. 3 You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways … 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139: 1-3 & 23-24)
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
“10 Summoning the crowd, He told them, “Listen and understand: 11 It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” (Matthew 15:10-11)
Five Lessons From The Practice of Weeding In Your Marriage (Life?) & Relationships:
- Weeds will compete with productive good seeds.
- Weeds need to be weeded out quickly.
- Weeds need to be weeded out before planting good seeds.
- Some weeds need professional help in order to be removed. (ex.- counseling, mentorship/support, education.)