Weeds

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. —James 1:21

Every gardener knows what a constant challenge it is to contend with weeds that keep poking their way through the soil. Those weeds have to be put to death, pulled out by the roots. And gardeners know they have to catch weeds early, because they spread fast.

People who are serious about growing in holiness know something important, too. Sin is like a weed. It takes root and spreads. Holiness and sin cannot both thrive in our lives. One or the other must die.

If you look at the original language of James 1:21, the idea is to “kill” or “put to death” all filthiness. Like a gardener attacking a weed, we need to remove sin by the roots, and then stay away from any situation likely to lead us into temptation.

Are you tolerating any weeds in your garden? Remember, holiness and sin can’t exist side by side. If the weeds of impurity are growing unchecked, they will choke out holiness.