Dig Out the Roots

 

We had a row of crape myrtle trees against our back fence for many years. We decided to have them removed three years ago. The gentleman who did the work warned us that, despite his best efforts, we were likely to see shoots popping up in the yard for years to come because crape myrtles have extensive root systems that persist even when the tree is cut down. He was right! We have dozens of shoots in the yard. I’ve been trying to eradicate them but they are resistant to all treatments. Very frustrating.

 

We may have particular areas in our lives that we’re not very happy about, where we are falling short. We need to deal with them as soon as possible, because the longer we wait, the more their roots become established and harder to get rid of. 

 

How we root out sin and bad behavior in our lives is more complicated than what we can deal with in a few words. However, we can start with some basic principles that should be adhered to in order to make progress. You can find many good teachings in this area if you want more help.

 

1. Agree with God that what we are doing is wrong. This often is easy, but sometimes it’s not. Society and politics can affect how we view our words and behavior. Remember, when we disagree with God and his Word, He is right and we are wrong 100% of the time.

 

2. Pray for God’s help. Satan is thrilled if he can keep us downhearted and downtrodden. We can’t fight him on our own. The Holy Spirit can help us win the battle if we allow him to lead, strengthen, and transform us. Ask the Father for whatever healing you need.

 

3. “Dig out the roots”. We won’t make any headway just trying to change our behavior if we do nothing to change why we act the way we do. This may require drastic action. Paul writes, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (Colossians 3:5). Jesus gave examples of gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand to show how committed we need to be to change. We begin at the level of our desires because, as James writes, “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin” (James 1:14-15). Rip out the worldly desires that strangle your heart, in order that it might be healed.

 

4. Run from sin. Somehow we think that we can run all the way to the edge of the cliff and lean over as far as possible and we won’t fall. Don’t believe that lie. We must avoid those situations that get us into trouble.

 

5. Fill in the empty places. Jesus warns us in Luke 11:24-26 that we need to fill our hearts with good things once we have swept the bad things out, or we will likely revert to our old ways, or worse. We must fill our hearts with God’s Word and his Spirit and let them lead us into godly thoughts, words, and actions. Don’t leave an open door for Satan to walk through. “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13:14).

 

6. Don’t give up. Paul writes, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Your situation is never hopeless, although the road ahead will probably not be smooth.

 

7. Let God forgive you, and forgive yourself. Then let Him forgive you again. And again, as necessary. We aren’t perfect, we’re forgiven, through the blood of Jesus. We don’t forfeit that forgiveness if we fall back into old habits and have to come before God again. We are all sinners in need of continuing repentance. Be open to his grace and mercy.

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The individual posts in this blog have been collected into a book, Reflections From the Basic Truths Blog.  It is available for free as an E-book through Barnes and Noble, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reflections-from-the-basic-truths-blog-james-yarmchuk/1147055811?ean=2940181202702, Apple Books, and multiple other book websites. It is available for a minimal charge on Amazon and can also be purchased as a paperback through them.