When I was a little girl, Highway 75 going into Waxhaw from Mineral Springs was loaded with Kudzu. Right before the town limit, kudzu had taken over completely. Mature oak trees, pine, and hardwood trees were covered from top to bottom. These trees are quite tall when mature. I marveled at how these trees were overtaken by this weed.

Mama Kate and Pappy would tell me the plant was imported into the country by a man looking for an easy way to feed his livestock. (Whether true or not, it was the story the old folks told.) He believed that because it grew so quickly, livestock would thrive on it. He could not have known just how very invasive it was and still is.

I guess I think about kudzu this time of year because this is the time it blooms. The woods at the river are full of it in one area. When we are out walking and training for a race, the fragrance is beautiful. You smell the kudzu blossoms before you ever see them. They are clusters of lavender blooms in a cylindrical shape. So lovely to see and smell. Honestly, it is difficult not to enjoy them.

But I’ve thought so many times just how awful it would be to find it on our property. Certainly, there would be a great effort to eradicate it. Finding kudzu in the yard or in the woods would mean nothing but trouble.

Why do I go to the kudzu lesson again and again? Because sin behaves the same way. We see it in the distance and walk closer. Maybe we smell a sweet fragrance or see a lovely flower. We touch it. Wish that flower would grow in our garden. Really? But isn’t that what happened to Eve in the garden? She saw the forbidden fruit. The fruit was pleasing to the eye and good for food? But it was not.

Sin deceives and seduces. It looks good, smells good, tastes good, calls to us. We make the mistake to stop…look…and consider. But the Word tells us to FLEE !!!!!!

The other characteristic of kudzu and sin is how quickly it grows and multiplies. Once sin gets a foothold in our hearts, it can overtake us before we realize we have given ourselves over to it. 

Our flesh, as long as we live in this world, is susceptible to sin sickness. If, as human beings, we deny our predisposition to sin, we are deceived. We are living our lives professing Christ and not looking for trouble. However, stuff can creep in…innocently creep in. Remember the Apostle Paul talked about doing those things he did not want to do and not doing the things he wanted to do? He cried out to be delivered from this body of death. 

Certainly, we are forgiven. Our Abba’s grace and mercy and forgiveness know no bounds. But maybe it is easier to avoid temptation and sin before it has the opportunity to take root in our hearts and grow.

We are safe for Eternity. Our salvation is sure and certain for those who have believed in their heart and confessed with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Therefore, let’s make every effort to live a life for Him.

I don’t want any kudzu growing on my land…and I don’t want sin growing in my heart…

Just food for thought.

Love and prayers.❤️