Being a Flower in a World Full of Weeds

Romans 12:2 in the New International Version of the Bible says,

^"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

The world is full of weeds, my friends. Weeds who are greedy and will push, pull, and destroy on their way to the top. The Bible calls Christians to be different from these plants and be beautiful flowers that glorify God.

Weeds, according to merriam-webster , are defined with the following characteristics:

1. Overgrown- There are so many people like this in the world. These people are full of themselves, and in that way they are overgrown. The Bible calls us to be selfless, and to "love our neighbors as ourselves". When we only care about ourselves, we care nothing for anyone else. We cannot live like Christ if we do not love other people as He did.
2. A Plant that Chokes Out Others- Like is previously mentioned, a weed cares only for itself. A person who acts like a weed will hurt others to get what they want. The Bible completely contradicts this in James 4:6. The Bible here makes it clear that God despises pride, but honors humilty. One who works for the good of others will be exalted over the one who has worked only for himself.

Flowers, on the other hand:

1. Bear Reproductive Organs- The flower is the part of the plant that has the seed. Christians are called to plant seed wherever they go. It is important to remember that you are carrying a seed when you live from day to day, because the soil might just be fertile in the people you see and interact with.
2. Are Cultivated for Their Blossoms-Like a flower that is known by its blossoms, a Christian is known by his love. While Christians should not do things to impress people or to "look good", they should always be aware that the world is watching them and they will be known by the love they show other people.

Cultivating flower behavior does require some steps. Just a gardener will faithfully tend his flowers, so a follower of Christ allows God to tend to their soul everyday.  The two things flowers need to live and grow beautiful are:

1. Water- In John 4:10 Jesus said He was the living water, and whoever drank of this water would never be thirsty again.  Plants need water, because water contains nutrients.  We need to be in contact with our Savior all the time!  Like a flower, we need the living water to survive.  To use a rather cliche phrase, "Have you had your dose of Jesus today?"
2. Sunlight-Sunlight also comes from Jesus, the "Son".  God's Word calls itself a "lamp" which will light our path.  Reading the Bible daily is a way to focus ourselves where we need to go.  It truly serves as a lamp and a light that guide us.

So being a flower in this world full of weeds only requires trust in God and obedience to His word.  And it is much simpler to continue being a flower when you are in communication with Him through prayer and by reading His Word.

Remember, flower is also a verb.  So go forth and flower!