I was discussing flowers one day with a friend who is more knowledgeable about floral care than I am. I was bemoaning how the deer had snipped off all my sunflowers, yet left the flowers immediately in from of them.
She asked me what kind they were. I showed her a picture and she told me they were zinnias. She said if I trim the flowers when they bloom, more will come, lots more. I thought this odd because in my experience that’s not how the other flowers had worked. I decided to try it and sure enough, she was right.
I cut flowers to enjoy in my home and more grew back. The best part about these flowers is the deer left them alone. Zinnias also attract beautiful butterflies.
This reminds me of our faith journey. When we trim the sin in our lives, it allows God to help us bloom in other areas. When we eliminate sin or idols we draw closer to Him. If we repent of the things we do wrong, He washes us clean and makes us new in Him.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
We are never going to be sinless, but the more we prune and trim sin from our lives, the more space we give God to help us grow. Sin infects our lives, using up valuable resources. If it stays there untouched, or worse continues to grow, it will wreak havoc. It will remain and grow bigger until we become aware and take action against it, with God’s help.
On our own, it’s very hard to eliminate a sinful habit or indulgence. Have you ever tried and failed? I have plenty of times. When I go humbly to my loving Father and ask for His help, that is when I am able to mortify the sin.
The result of trimming my zinnias leads to a colorful array in my kitchen. Whereas, defeating our sin guides us closer to the Lord, and the peace and joy that follow.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Katie T. Kennedy's 