Passage of the Day:
Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn,’” Matthew 13:24-30.
Reflection:
Immediately following a parable designed to help Christians find the right soil to blossom in, Jesus is blunt about the obstacles that will stand in your way. Public Enemy #1, the Devil, is busy at work while you are sleeping, contaminating the soil where you have planted your spiritual garden. These weeds seek to wrap around good fruits, trying to stunt and suffocate their growth. Meanwhile, if you allow the troubles and worries in life to steal your joy, you could lose your spiritual focus. When and if you do, you’ll likely confuse wants with needs, chasing after that which is unnecessary.
Prayerful Action:
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people, 1 Peter 2:15.
Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:
The environment that you settle for in life will dictate the spiritual fruits that you bear. If your mind begins to wander toward the material, physical and temporary treasures in life, your eyes will follow suit, Matthew 6:22-23. This is where needs and wants will clash, igniting an internal struggle within your soul, Galatians 5:16-17. However, if you turn your attention toward Bible Study, Christian music, prayer and worship, spiritual fruits will start to shine through. This is why the apostle Paul pleads with the Church at Colosse to set your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-3.
Song of the Day:
As Christians draw closer to the Lord, their perspectives will change. Material possessions like what car you drive, the appearance of your home and where you work won’t be as important. Meanwhile, your spheres of influence will open your eyes to the broken hearts and souls in plain sight. When your eyes are open to the spiritual possibilities, needs will trump wants as you look for opportunities to shine the love of Jesus upon others, Matthew 5:14-16.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 