Tangleweed

When I trimmed the shrubbery around the house this spring, I realized that, while it looked lush and green it had become so thick and out of shape that it was not letting enough sunlight into the middle of the bush to allow for any new growth.  I had to do some radical, cutting back to get it in to the shape I wanted it to be.  When I finally got it cut back, I was able to see that the English Ivy (In Britain, called “tangleweed”) that surrounds the bushes had wrapped its self around the inside of the bushes choking out any chance of new growth even if the light was getting in.

 I began to think how this is a good example of how it is with our Christian life.  We begin our new life with the Son light shining on our soul and growing in His image.  Over time, we fit into the “Christian image”.  We look good on the outside.  We talk the talk.  We even walk the walk, but we are doing it in our own power.  We fail to let the light of the Word and communication with God light up our soul. Just like the English Ivy crowded out the sunlight, we allow the things of this world to take the time we were spending with God.  It is not that they are bad things we are doing; it is just that they are getting in the way of our spiritual growth.  Just as I had to do with the bushes, we also need some radical trimming to get back to where God would want us to be. 

2 Peter 1:3-8, 10 says,

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.  For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.

That is why we need to get back to the basics.  1Timothy 4:7 says we are to “train ourselves to be Godly”.  If we allow the “Son” light to shine on our souls, it helps us to grow into the person God wants us to be.  Studying the Word, times of meditation, prayer, seeking God, fellowship with other Christians, are just some of the “tools” we can use, that we will be studying deeper, and looking at in a whole new way in the weeks to come.

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Personal Reflection or Discussion Questions

What is the difference between fitting in to the “Christian image” and godliness?

What are some of the “Tangleweed” factors getting in the way of my spiritual growth? Are these things intrinsically wrong?

What are some ways I can begin trimming these things back today that will let in some more Son light? How will I track my progress?

Prayer: Reflecting specifically on this devotional, write out a prayer to God.