Talk About Green!

With today being St. Patrick's Day, I simply couldn't resist doing this post. It seems that I've been hearing and reading a lot lately about the grass being greener on the other side of the fence. Perhaps that's where the phrase "green with envy" comes from. Even we, as Christians, occasionally suffer from a bad case of "if only's" or "it must be nice."

But here's the thing about grass that any lawn specialist can tell you. The softest, greenest grass is found in areas that are frequently fertilized, habitually watered, and faithfully weeded. Beautiful lawns don't happen by chance; they require hard work and faithful attention. The same can be said for our lives. If we want that "greener grass," then we need to be willing to put forth the effort it takes to have it.

1. Frequently fertilized – The purpose of fertilizer is to provide plants with the nutrients necessary to grow and thrive. Without it, the soil often does not contain the essential nutrients for growth. In the Christian life, prayer is our fertilizer. It gives us access to the "nutrients" we need to face each and every day. These nutrients include supplication, intercession and thanksgiving, all of which are vital elements of spiritual growth and "greener grass."

2. Habitually watered – In the Bible, water represents the Word of God. Grass, as well as other plant life, must have water to survive. Without it, it will wither, dry out and die. We are no different. We need the water of God's word to live a successful Christian life. And notice, plants don't only need to be watered; they need to be habitually watered. That means watered on a regular basis, typically daily. If we want our lives to grow and flourish, it is imperative that we spend daily time in the word of God. Read it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Allow it to flow through you, hydrating your soul and spirit.

3. Faithfully weeded – Weeds are the enemy of growth. Their primary goal is to choke the life out of anything and everything they touch. They steal life-giving nutrients from the beneficial plants, causing them to wilt and often die. We have similar weeds in our lives, and they come in the form of bitterness, pride, selfishness and other such petty behaviors. These weeds steal our joy, energy and peace, leaving in their wake broken hearts and shattered dreams. If we are to grow in Christ, we must be faithful to search out and pluck these weeds from our hearts on a regular basis. The longer they are allowed to remain, the more of a nuisance they will become.

You see, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. It is greener wherever we make an effort to give it what it needs. We can choose to live lives that are green with envy, or we can take the steps necessary to create greener grass in our lives. Fertilize. Water. Weed. And remember, this is not a one-time process. Beautiful lawns and gardens don't happen overnight, and neither do beautiful lives. But if you truly want greener grass, you now know how to achieve it.

Are you wearing your green today? If so, which shade? The shade of envy, or the shade of lush, beautiful grass? The choice is yours, but choose wisely. Your happiness may very well depend on it.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. - II Peter 3:18