Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matthew 13:30 NABRE
Jesus shares a parable of weeds growing among the wheat. A man sows wheat and while sleeping an enemy sows weeds among the wheat. The wheat and weeds grow together. Jesus says rather then lose any good wheat let them both grow together and when it is harvest time pull the weeds, bundle them and cast them into fire. Then the wheat is harvested and stored in the barn. The parable symbolizes good and wicked people living alongside one another. It is rare to live in a community of well-behaved Christians only. On a recent visit to Lancaster, Pennsylvania I was able to learn of the Amish community, people who seek to live a Christian life in such a way that temptation is almost eliminated. The don’t access the internet in their home to block any temptation, there is no mechanized vehicles so that they can’t travel to fast or too far, therefore they are always around their community, a place they are known and must live a good witness to their community. They are people who do many things to block confronting temptation. Yet, they are not completely isolated and some of their community are enticed by technology, or fast fun living. The have seen an increase in people who leave the community and those who remain blame it on outside influences.
It is impossible to live completely outside temptation, but we must find a way to defeat temptation. We tend to think we are made to sin, or to have fun we must sin. Many have lived very enjoyable lives following the gospel of Jesus. We will be confronted by temptation. We must be the wheat, not the weeds.
How do you battle temptation? Who are your influences?
It is impossible to live completely outside temptation, but we must find a way to defeat temptation. Many have lived very enjoyable lives following the gospel of Jesus. We will be confronted by temptation. We must be the wheat, not the weeds. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #wheat #weeds #Matthew #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways