A Garden Bed of Life

When we returned from our vacation at camp, our garden had seemingly gone wild. We have had a great deal of rain this summer and growth has been much speedier than normal. Having been gone for over a week, the transformation was significant. As I walked down the first of our garden beds, I passed a multitude of weeds and then noticed that the broccoli had bloomed; well, one head, at least. The other three were nowhere to be seen. Continuing on I found the cabbage. The leaves are quite large but the cabbages themselves are currently only about the size of tennis balls. As I approached the end of the bed I could feel the anticipation of finding full heads of cauliflower. The leaves were huge on all four plants. Having already been disappointed that only one broccoli plant had survived, I was sure that this would be the highlight of this garden bed. Unfortunately as I peeked over the tops of the leaves I found nothing inside but more leaves. Not one of the cauliflower plants had produced anything that could be prepared and eaten at our table. From a distance the leaves had looked wonderful, but there was no substance inside.

As we view our lives, we may find the same conditions as are in this garden bed. Without attention our lives will have some weeds grow up that will require pulling. Even little bits of sin can grow very quickly. Had we not been gone on vacation, daily tending of the garden would’ve kept these weeds to a minimum. Daily attention to attitudes and actions in our lives is essential Confession will pull sin out at the root, keeping our lives clean.  “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He s faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP)  

Has good been planted in our lives but only a small portion of it has grown? How many projects have we started with God that fall to the side as time passes? Good intentions to spend my days searching for ways to bless others, being consistent in offering thanksgiving to God, looking only for good in those around us and so many other things can be planted in the soil of our heart. Without daily attention and nurturing new character development, like new plants, can wither and die. While we rejoice in the growth that God has brought in some areas of our lives, we must look at what happened to the other works we began. Just as we planted four broccoli plants and only one grew to maturity, so also we may grow in some areas of character far more so than other areas.  We must be diligent to grow in all areas. “Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” (Ephesians 4:15b AMP)

The cauliflower leaves were the greatest disappointment of this bed. From a distance they looked so good. We must question if there are areas in our lives that appear to be in line with the Word of God. Are we doing the right things without having the right heart?  Jesus spoke of this.  “These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me.” (Matthew 15:8 AMP)  We need to live as “He who walks and lives uprightly and blamelessly, who works rightness and justice and speaks and thinks the truth in his heart,” (Psalm 15:2 AMP)  Only this level of commitment will provide nourishment to those around us.

The redeeming find in this garden bed was the cabbage plants. Four small heads are growing. These will require tending to continue until full-grown.  We also have gifts and character traits that are in the process of growing. This process may be slow and the traits currently small, but growth is present. We must diligently tend this daily with God’s Word and prayer. Then we can have the same confidence that the apostle Paul had.  “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP)  Our character is being developed by God.

Take a walk in the garden bed of your life today and see what you find. Pull out the bad and nurture the good.

(By the way, my other garden beds are loaded with blossoms and new growth of a bumper crop of tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers. The lettuce and spinach are ready for replanting. All is good.)