Stop The
Spread!
"Looking carefully lest anyone fall short
of the grace of God; lest any root of
bitterness springing up cause trouble,
and by this many become
defiled."
Hebrews 12: 15
Many Southern gardeners make the mistake
of
planting mint to enjoy in their iced tea in the
summer. After a few years they dig up the mint
and then discover a year later that they didn’t
dig up the mint. It’s still growing and
spreading.
Mint is one of many decorative yard
species that
are hard to eradicate once they gain a foothold,
especially those that spread by extending their
roots (rhizomes) underground. Leaving even a
sliver of root in the ground will guarantee that
your yard will be continually “defiled.”
Speaking of roots that defile, writer to Hebrews
warned about the “root of bitterness” that
will spring up and defile many. In other words,
bitterness is an invasive spiritual species that
spreads quickly throughout a group of people.
Moses warned Israelites about letting their
hearts turn away from God in pursuit of idols,
becoming a “root among you that produces
such bitter poison” (Deuteronomy
29:18).
Don’t be bitter. Rip up bitterness by the root!
Focus on God’s love, grace, and forgiveness.
Extend the same to everyone you are
around.
"Difficulties make us
either better or bitter."
Unknown