Clearing Out-Emmanuel Baptist Church

By Mark Ruggerio     

Recently I asked the following question to our mid-week prayer meeting: “Can you think of a Biblical character or story that is an example of something or sin slowly creeping into that person’s life?” After a few moments one individual responded with Jacob. I thought this was a great answer.   

Her focus was on Jacob’s favoritism of Joseph and all the problems that resulted from that. She stated, “Think of what he missed and the pain that he went through thinking his son was dead all those years.” Also think of his other son’s sin and agony as a direct reaction to their father’s favoritism. Let’s also not forget Jacob’s whole deal with the birthright and blessing with his father’s and mother’s “playing favorites.” Each person is responsible for their part, but these “generational” sins grew and were passed on with grave results.

The reason I asked that question, and my reason for sharing here is that we can eas- ily allow things in our life that seem like no big deal at the time, but if left have dramatic costs. This is exemplified in the care of the property. This fall we have spent a great deal of time trying to cut back the growth of trees, brush, and other wild flora on the property slowing each day they intruded. We had regularly kept up on the mowing but slowly each day these other plants grew. After a few years, the trees and brush had grown up so much that we lost sections of the lawn to the growth. So, to re- claim our property, the time, effort, and work needed to be put in. In our own lives, we need to take the time to listen to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to direct us to the unruly growth in our lives to be removed, not in our strength though but in His. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).  

Mark Ruggerio