DANDELIONS IN MY LAWN

                I just returned from a week of vacation. While I was gone, God blessed us with rain and sun, so that, when I returned, my grass was about a foot high. Before I left for vacation, I was careful to apply weed and feed to my yard. When I returned, I discovered that, wherever I had failed to apply the weed and feed, there was an abundance of dandelions.

                Dandelions are prolific and persistent. Every homeowner knows that it is a constant battle to stay on top of these pesky weeds. Left unchecked, they will take over an entire yard in a short amount of time.

                Dandelions are not indigenous to North America. They were brought here, by early colonists from Europe, as a source of food and medicine. They had actually been cultivated for these purposes since Roman times. The name dandelion comes from the French name “dent de lion” which means tooth of the lion. The name refers to the tooth-like leaves of the plant. There is a story that a well-to-do lady from Europe imported dandelions to North America to brighten up her lawn. Whether that is true or not, we all must content with them today.

                As I was mowing the hay field that my yard had become, I thought about how dandelions are like sin in our lives. All that we have to do to introduce sin into our lives is let down our guard. When we leave areas of our lives “untreated” by the word of God, they become prime spots for sin to take root. Once sin has taken root, it is very hard to remove. Like dandelions, sin sends its roots deep into the soil of our lives. We can cut off what is on the surface, but if we do not dig out the root, sin will flower again. Sin also is prolific. It sends its seeds into every unguarded corner of our lives. Within a very short period of time, it can spread, covering large areas of our life.

                The Bible constantly warns us to be on our guard against the invasive weed of sin. Peter reminds us that our enemy is constantly seeking to sow the seeds of sin in our lives. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Paul tells us to be careful not to inadvertently open the door for sin to take root. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)

                There are many different ways that people deal with the invasion of dandelions in their yard. Some people try to root them out one at a time; a long and tedious process. Some apply weed killer; covering a large area at once. Along with weed killer, enhancing the health of the grass also deters the growth of dandelions. Some people just give in and embrace the bright yellow flowers.

                There are several things we can do to deal with the spiritual dandelions on our lives. First, we need to root out sin. If we deny the presence of sin or ignore its growth, we will soon be overrun. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)

                We also need to apply spiritual weed killer to our lives. This comes in the form of God’s word. The more we are immersed in God’s word, the less opportunity there is for sin to grow. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

                One of the best ways to counteract sin is to fill our lives with healthy spiritual grass. As we allow positive spiritual qualities to grow, we push out the spiritual weeds. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

                Above all, we can never afford to let down our guard. Controlling the dandelions in the yard one spring does not prevent them from reappearing the next. So it is with sin. The battle is constant and unrelenting. So we must be diligent to in dealing with sin on a regular basis. Satan is always looking for some unguarded area in which to plant his nefarious seeds. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13

                Dandelions flower in the spring and then seem to disappear in the heat of the summer. A false sense of accomplishment can set in; thinking that the dandelion problem is over. But, unless more is done, they will be back, and in greater numbers. Sin may seem to disappear for a while from our lives. But be sure of this, the seeds are still there, just waiting for the right conditions. We must constantly be on our guard; ready to act when the flower of sin begins to bud in our lives.