I had one of those "Aha!" moments on Saturday! Ken Gire calls them Windows of the Soul. These are times when we can see the work of God going on outside in the everyday experiences of our lives. Let me tell you about my window.
I am on study break in Arkansas. I am reading, writing, and planning ahead for sermon series for Spanish River Church, my church family in Boca Raton, Florida.
One might think that all regular work stops on study break. It does not. There are chores to be done. In this case, these chores include mowing the yard and edging around the driveway of the lake home where Shannan and I are staying.
As you can see, the grass and weeds were on the march. Their campaign was to “take the driveway.” It was my job to drive back the assault.
It was very hot on Saturday. I was fighting with a vengeance. My shirt was soaked in sweat. My weed eater was sounding the battle cry as it cut down the competition.
Near the end of the “battle” it hit me. Left unchecked the weeds of sin will overtake me. I must be relentless in guarding my heart. Here is how Solomon puts it:
My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. (Proverbs 4:20-27 ESV)
Weeds and grass do not overtake a driveway in a day. They move slowly. They creep. They crawl. Theirs is a slow, imperceptible march. They claim new territory with stealth. The same could be said for the enemies of the soul.
Solomon understood the enemy’s tactic. A full frontal assault is not nearly as effective as lulling the enemy to sleep. So he will just drop a few “F-bombs” until their sound doesn’t startle us. He will pepper us with media propaganda until the Live for Now, Live for Self philosophy chokes out thoughts of future judgment or self-sacrifice. He will convince us that taking a second look is not lust, but simply the harmless enjoyment of a little “eye candy.” He will tell you, “It’s no big deal to miss church!” He will push the idea that tolerance is more important than Truth!
Don’t be fooled. Keep your driveway clean. God’s Word is the weed eater that cuts through the enemy’s advance. His Spirit gives us the power to use it. Are any weeds overtaking your driveway?
STAY FOCUSED TODAY:Take a walk around your home or neighborhood. As you do, ask God to help you see any enemy encroachment in your own life. Pick up the Holy weed eater and get to work.