Devotion 

The Weeds

Frances Taylor 

This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there is underage drinking at a party? In some families and neighborhoods celebrations mean fireworks. We know that they are dangerous and that in some places they're illegal, but do we encourage others by our willingness to be a part of it, or even pick some up across the state line so that we can have some "fun?" It's not always easy to do the right thing, to speak up when we witness wrongdoing, but Jesus calls us to set a higher standard for ourselves. If we are to be true witnesses to our faith, then our actions must speak for us in every corner of our lives. May we humbly examine our consciences this week, and resolve to be the wheat we are meant to be.

Prayer 

Lord, may we never be the weeds and spread dissention or temptation in our families or our community. Amen.