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Grass or weeds?

Five years ago, I was talking to a friend about our lawn. He is in the lawn care business and he offered me this timeless advice, “There are two ways to have a nice lawn. One way is to remove all the weeds. The other is to grow your grass so thick there is no room for weeds.”

When he said that a bright and jarring light bulb went off in me. If we want to live a high-impact, lasting-legacy life we must intentionally put God’s word, the Bible, into our minds daily so that weeds do not overtake our thinking.

We can let those around us determine our worth based on our looks, academic or athletic performance, career achievements, size of our house, children’s success and numerous other factors or we can discover God’s opinion.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

“You are precious and honored in my sight and I love you.” (Isaiah 43:4)

I can crumble underneath stress and anxiety, thinking I have to create solutions or avoid pain, even when it is out of my control. Or I can remember “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:1-2)

I woke up this morning with an unsettling amount of grief and anxiety. I fertilized my heart with the truth of Isaiah 43 before the weeds had time to sprout.

I can panic when life gets difficult or wounds weigh me down; turning to food, sex, alcohol, drugs or shopping. Or I can “Lift up my eyes to the mountains–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)   

I can live in constant fear of death or ignore the fact I am an eternal soul with a temporary body. Or I can discover and embrace that “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)

I believe Jesus is who he said he was. I receive him as my savior and leader today. Our creator loved us so much that he sent his son, Jesus Christ, into this world “not to condemn the world but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17)

I am blessed to walk with Jesus as he redeems my life, my sin, my regrets, and my success.

I downloaded the “youversion” app (www.bible.com). Every morning at 7:50 a.m. I receive the verse of the day. It provides water for my soul.

If you are not a person of faith in God or don’t believe the Bible is true, it remains critical you have a strategy for defeating weeds. The Bible is a great option for you. If you are a person of faith in Christ we must remain diligent. God bless you. See you next Sunday!   

Hauser can be reached at www.jonhauser.com

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