The Growing SeasonSýnishorn

In farm talk, a ripper is a plow-like device with sharp blades that break up the soil. It’s hitched to a tractor and taken into a field to soften the earth. We know that under favorable conditions a seed will be able to grow and bear fruit, but first we must do the groundwork. Otherwise, briars and thorns will flourish. And, as my father-in-law would say, “Ain’t no money in briars.”

Farm gal, we are described as God’s field (1 Corinthians 3:9). And if we’re full of spiritual weeds, briars, or thorns, His Word cannot grow in our hearts.

Charles Spurgeon posits that the weeds we see in the land were actually created by God for a distinct purpose. He writes, “Are not all thorns and thistles meant to be teachers to sinful men? Are they not brought forth of the earth on purpose that they may show us what sin has done, and the kind of produce that will come when we sow the seed of rebellion against God?”

I see on our farm what happens when thorns and weeds are not eliminated: They take over and choke out the good.

Just like the farmer guards and takes care of his soil by turning over the earth, we also must guard and take care of our souls. James 1:21 (NLT) instructs us, “Get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.”

We have the spiritual charge of plowing our hearts so that the implanted Word can flourish. Jeremiah 4:3 (NIV) says, “This is what the LORD says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem: ‘Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns.’” God’s command wasn’t gentle; the plow is sharp. We must break up our unplowed souls.

My husband takes a look at the soil in our cropland. He evaluates what needs to be accomplished and takes the necessary steps. Sometimes that means the ripper gets to ripping. But then the plants can get to growing. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Friend, we must take a good look at what is going on in our lives. We are God’s field (1 Corinthians 3:9). We are His creation (Ephesians 2:10). To bloom and prosper, we must rip sin out of our lives so it doesn’t spread and choke out all the goodness God has planted within our hearts.

In modern society many are disconnected from the field. Many don’t get their hands dirty and feel the weeds between their fingers. They don’t realize the constant battle and the plowing that must occur.

Today, examine your life. You were created to bloom. Sometimes that means taking this hard step of pulling up weeds so God’s good Word planted within your heart can grow.