Over the past few weeks as I have traveled on Wednesdays to share lessons at the Clallam Bay Corrections Center, my attention has been captivated by the sight of beautiful yellow buds off to the side of the road in several places. Though not yet in full bloom, those pointed bulbous buds have been steadily growing larger as the weeks have gone by. It would only take a few to make up a huge bouquet. Though picking them might not be easy — as the area where they are thriving is quite marshy — I could only imagine the delight of my wife for me to walk through the door with such a vibrant bouquet of those beauties. However, my wife being a country girl quite familiar with a variety of wildflowers would immediately respond, “Don’t you dare bring that skunk cabbage in here.”
But isn’t it the thought that counts? Though a mother or grandmother might delightedly accept a bouquet of yellow dandelions from a child who doesn’t understand they are just weeds, when it comes to skunk cabbage some discernment would be good. Though the immense blooms may look beautiful, the thought that counts is deciding to leave them where they are!
We live in a world where we are surrounded by varying ideologies and standards which seem to thrive and spread like weeds. Despite some appearing good at first, in time they prove to not be as pleasant as first thought.
Paul exhorted Christians at Ephesus. . .
“(17) Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. (18) They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” (Ephesians 4:17-18 ESV)
Leave that futile thinking behind. It is to the mind of God and the truth in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21) we need to look for the ability to discern what is good, right, and true. In this way we are enabled to be the new self we were created to be as we are renewed in our mind. (Ephesians 4:23-24)
In drawing attention to the value of God’s Word, the writer of Hebrews stated. . .
“(12) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)
What counts is allowing the truth of God’s Word to aid in discerning our thoughts and intentions so the actions of our life may be properly carried out to His glory. It is the truth of His Word which brings beauty to our life as even non-believers begin to witness the genuineness of our Christian love and faith. May we allow God’s Word to do its discerning work in us and so live our life as a pleasing aroma to Him!
Have a great day ROOTED IN GOD TO BLOOM AS HE INTENDED!
Carl
