Deadheading
By Vernette Kureck
“The grass
withers, and the flower falls, but the word of our God stands forever”
Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
It is time to approach my flowerpots
and the garden with cutting shears and determination. The frequent spring rains
and warm days of summer have created a glorious splash of colors among the
perennials and annuals. However, they are looking a bit leggy and spent now in
some areas, so it is time to do some pruning and deadheading, which is cutting
off the dead blooms before they go to seed. This will send new vigor down to
the roots stimulating new growth and more flowers. Sometimes it seems hurtful
to the plant, but in the end, it creates a better specimen, hence my
determination.
As I pruned, the verse from John 15:2 came into my head…“Every branch in Me that
does not bear fruit, He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit, He
prunes it, that it may bear more fruit” (NIV). Snipping away the dead and
stressed parts of the plant was providing a nice spiritual lesson. Isaiah 40:8
says the Word of our God stands forever. So after checking my concordance, I
found a few things the Word says to prune.
In the middle of Ephesians, Paul
writes about an edifying lifestyle. This is practical advice on how to build up
the church body. Beginning in Chapter 4 verse 25, he mentions a number of
things to put away, or cut off. A big one is falsehood, including little white
lies - - we are to speak the truth. We are to prune anger - - not all anger is
sin, but if it is consuming, it will give the devil a foothold. Thievery or
dishonest work ethics need to be stopped. Unwholesome, corrupting talk or
gossip…cut it off. Get rid of every kind of bitterness, which stems from lack
of forgiveness, as well as rage, slander, brawling and malice. When these are
pruned off, the Holy Spirit will regenerate us with kindness, compassion and
forgiveness.
Heavenly Father, thank you that you
do not leave us in our natural state, but that You have your pruning shears
sharp and ready to remove the “deadheads” from our lives. Thank you that we are
a work in progress, always growing and becoming more like Jesus. Help us to
relinquish those “deadheads” that are not pleasing to you, and renew us with
your precious Holy Spirit through your Holy Word which lasts forever. We give
You all the glory. Amen.
GOING
DEEPER:
1. What other attitudes, habits or
behaviors can you find to deadhead?
FURTHER
READING:
Vernette and
her husband Ken have been married 48 years and are blessed with 8
grandchildren. She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain and
with Family Promise.
