I’m not a fanatic about my lawn, but I am diligent in keeping this 2/3 acre homestead as weed-free as possible. So when I see one of these pop up, I spring into action.

It’s real chore at this time of year, because the dandelions lie low and dormant until we get a little rain and the sun comes out. Then overnight, there they are, these pretty yellow blemishes on my well-fed, carefully mowed lawn. My weed killer is a mechanical affair that plunges into the soil, surrounds the root and plucks it out.

A few days ago, I grabbed the weed killer and prowled the entire estate, walking slowly, eyes moving side to side, looking for the tell-tale broad leaves or early blossoms. When I found one of the obnoxious sprouts, I stomped the killer over the weed and into the earth. A little yank to pluck it out, then a tap on the release knob to drop the deceased offender on the turf. Guess I got about thirty to forty of them that first day.

The next day, there were a few more yellow dots, which I promptly dispatched. And the next day. And the next. And today there were just three more. Soon the lawn will be pure green, without spot or blemish. Except…

Well, except that I live among other people. I have neighbors only thirty feet away on each side, and more across the street. And down the road. And behind us. They apparently love the little yellow demons, for their yards are full of them. And when the pretty yellow blossoms turn into little gray puffballs, and the soft breezes blow, well, it’s a constant battle to fight them off.

Sort of like sin. Now I know that the remedy for sin is Jesus; His life, death, and resurrection removed all my sins; past present and future. But does that mean I can go on sinning without a care in the world? As the Apostle Paul put it, “God forbid!” No, God expects that after He deep cleans my soul, I should be grateful enough to keep the place tidy so as to glorify Him. Like spiritual lawn care. If I see an obnoxious thing; thought, word, deed, or attitude, my duty is to pluck it out. And sometimes the plucking leads to a little pain or discomfort, because there are some of those little sins that are rooted very deep in me.

So daily soul-care is necessary. I have to identify the offense. If the Bible says it’s bad, then don’t do it. If I go ahead and do it anyway, then confess it right away. Don’t wait until there’s a yard full of sins. And remember, there’s a whole neighborhood (the world) around me rank with those weeds. Some of the seeds will be constantly blowing my way. Be diligent! Pluck them out.

Jesus said: “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” Matthew 5:29-30 (ESV)