THE FLOWER GARDEN OF YOUR LIFE

INTRODUCTION:

A. We need to mow down the grass and weeds, but keep the flowers.

B. Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

I. WATCH OUT FOR OVERGROWN GRASS.

A. Grass is not necessarily bad, but it can take over a garden if it gets out of control. These are things that we do that are not wrong by themselves, but could become wrong if we allow them to take too much of our time or money.

B. Psalms 92:7 When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:

II. KILL THE WEEDS.

A. Weeds are always a problem. They cause problems wherever they pop up. These are the sinful things that should not be in our lives. Even spending 1 minute or 1 dollar on them is wrong.

B. Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, (22) Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: (23) All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

III. PLANT FLOWERS.

A. Flowers are good habits and things that make our lives beautiful and pleasing to God. There are many different flowers. Some we must have in our lives, but there are too many good things for one person to be able to do them all. We must choose some and leave some for others.

B. Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

IV. KEEP THE FLOWERS GROWING.

A. We need to prune our flowers to keep them pretty. - John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

B. We need to protect them from pests, weeds, and even grass.

1. Matthew 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

2. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

3. Song of Solomon 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

C. We need to keep them watered and fertilized with God's Word. -

1. 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

2. Luke 13:7-9 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? (8) And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: (9) And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

D. We need to protect them from freezing or being scorched. -

1. Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. (8) For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

2. Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

CONCLUSION:

A. We must control the grass, kill the weeds, and work to keep the flowers beautiful.

B. How is your garden growing? Is there grass that needs to be mowed? Are there weeds that need to be rooted out? What flowers do you need to plant? What flowers need to be tended?