Turf Wars!

Turf wars! The battle over territory! It happens! No, I am not talking about neighborhood gangs fighting to establish or maintain control of particular territory, but rather that which happens in individual yards around the neighborhood. There are the dandelions and other weeds that try to spread through the lawn, crowding out the lush green grass we enjoy relaxing on. To pull up those weeds generally leaves holes or bare spots in the lawn, but there is hope for the grass to eventually fill in those areas.

One of the teachers in our congregation mentioned yesterday morning about that battle going on in his yard. Desiring to take care of the weeds he got some TURF BUILDER that contains a weed killer to attack them and halt the spreading. However, that TURF BUILDER not only kills the weeds, but also contains a fertilizer that enhances the growth of the grass, meaning he is going to have to cut the grass more often. One product with two benefits: killing the weeds and helping the good grass to grow and fill in where the weeds have been.

There is another “turf war” that is waging in the lives of people. The devil wants to take control by trying to plant the seeds of his weeds in lives where God is desiring His good seed to grow. How can we best fight off the weeds while encouraging the growth of the good? Perhaps we could refer to God’s Word as TURF BUILDER that can kill the weeds while at the same time filling in those spots with the good seed that brings the lushness of godliness.

What are we allowing to take control of the territory of our life? What is growing and spreading within us? An untended life will go the direction of an untended lawn. That’s not a pretty picture. Therefore we must be mindful of who or what we are allowing to lay claim to the “turf” of our being?

Speaking to some who were unwilling to accept Him, Jesus state. . .
“(37) And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, (38) and YOU DO NOT HAVE HIS WORD ABIDING IN YOU, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent.” ( John 5:37-38 ESV)

And on another occasion Jesus asserted. . .
“I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because MY WORD FINDS NO PLACE IN YOU.” ( John 8:37 ESV)

Who was presently winning the “turf” war in their lives? Though they did not realize it, Jesus went on to point out that it was devil at work in them. ( John 8:44) What they needed was to be more receptive to the “words of God” ( John 8:47), for it would be then that they would be open to the influence Jesus desired to have in their life.

James exhorted. . .
“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE IMPLANTED WORD, WHICH IS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS.” ( James 1:21 ESV)

The Scriptures: God’s TURF BUILDER to eradicate the weeds and nurture the growth of godliness. By allowing the Word of God to be spread over and poured into our life, He will be able to establish His claim over all the “turf” of our being. Such is the only safeguard against the weeds of wickedness from replanting themselves and taking over. One source with two benefits. May we receive a daily treatment that the beauty of lush godliness may be seen.

Have a great day WITH THE LIFE BEING A FLOURISHING TERRITORY TENDED BY GOD!
Carl

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