July 25, 2023
Dear Friends,
The weeds are onto something.
While the inattentive gardener may feel like the weeds spring up overnight, in actual fact, the weeds take their time. But they are also diligent. Slow and steady. It’s not a childish insight, it’s wisdom for the ages. And it’s wisdom that the weeds seem to understand.
When I’m in the garden every day, it’s easy to stay on top of the weeds. But the moment I get lazy or too busy, the weeds start to win. It’s because they never take a day off. They know it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. And if they just keep on keeping on, little bit by little bit, eventually they’ll catch me not looking, and then, it’s game over.
Learn a lesson from the weeds. Keep on keeping on, little bit by little bit. Slow and steady wins the race. Never take a day off.
“I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man” (Proverbs 24:30-34).
Of course, it’s wisdom for this world, but don’t think first about material poverty. I’m talking about your life as a Christian.
We live in a world of fits and starts. It’s a world of enormous efforts followed by catastrophic complacency. But that’s not how it ought to be for Christians.
The verb that Jesus often uses to describe your life as a Christian is “abide”. Abide in his word. Abide in Him. Abide in his love. Bear fruit that abides.
It’s a word that has to do with staying, remaining, laying down roots. You’re not just visiting. You’re not just stopping by for a bit, but you’re settling in. You’re laying a foundation, brick by brick. You’re constructing walls, board by board. You’re planting and cultivating and harvesting. You’re in it for the long haul, and so you are free to keep on keeping on, little bit by little bit. You’re free to be like the weeds, never to take a day off.
Here’s what I mean specifically. A little bit of time every day in prayer and with the Bible goes a long way. And if you take that little bit and add to it every day, before long your days will be completely soaked with God’s Word. Before long the interest will compound, and you’ll be wealthy beyond imagination.
But you have to go at it like the weeds: patiently and with confidence. Start small if you haven’t started already. Take 1 minute or 2 minutes. But make it every day. And then start adding to it. 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, and on and on. I know it sounds trivial. But this is how the weeds do it. They just keep going.
The weeds are not satisfied to have their little corner in the garden. If they were, we could probably get along. No, they want to take over. They won’t stop until they occupy every square inch of my garden.
Let it be that way with God’s Word in your life. Don’t settle until it’s the air you’re breathing, the food you’re eating. Let it push out of the way every sinful thought and impulse. Let it fill you with hope and joy. Let the promises of God cover every square inch of your heart.
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word” (Psalm 119:15-16).
God bless and keep you,
Pr. Buchs
COMING EVENTS:
VBS – Sunday, July 30-Thursday, August 4 @ 6-7:30pm