Don't Let the Honeysuckle Take Over

Hebrews 3:12-14
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. 

Tim and I walked Rosie May in the park on a beautiful pre-spring day. Our local park had added a suspension bridge from the trail to walk to an island in the river. It’s a great place to enjoy nature and watch the seasons change. On our hike, we noticed a lot of branches cut and lying on the ground. 

As we rounded our way back to the bridge, we met one of the county park employees. Of course, I asked what they’d cut down. My curiosity often precedes everything else that comes out of my mouth. His answer made sense. They were cutting away the notoriously invasive honeysuckle to make room for the native plants to breathe and grow. 

As I walked back to the car, God reminded me I needed to keep invasive garbage out of my mind and heart. Sin, like honeysuckle, creeps in and grows, and can take over every thought. 

These two verses help me when I am alerted to the invasion of sinful thoughts:

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. -Proverbs 4:23

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

Weed your heart and mind of sin.