The Hedge Trimmer

The way of a lazy man is like a hedge of thorns

         Proverbs 15:19a

Many of us are trapped with a hedge of thorns holding us in captivity. We have much to offer. We have the capability of being a beautiful rose, and showing that beauty to the world, but there is a hedge of thorns standing in our way. That hedge is a hedge of laziness. 

Whether the hedge be physical, emotional, or spiritual, all of us have a streak of laziness in us that likes to rear its ugly head from time to time. We can become so consumed in one area of our life, that other areas are neglected. We can become so busy, that we lose the energy to even think about devoting time to the areas that are being neglected, even when we know they are. We become trapped in this hedge of thorns, but the good news is- we have the trimmer needed to break free. Yet...we don't use it. That hedge trimmer is Jesus Christ.               

The busyness of our lives can become overwhelming. Duties as a wife, mother, high school or college student, employee, etc. can weigh us down. We tend to tell ourselves that we deserve to be lazy in certain areas of our lives because of all we do, but in reality, they are excuses. There is a difference between rest and laziness. There is a fine line between the two, and we need to constantly evaluate ourselves and go to Christ for his evaluation, to see where our hearts lay. Because not only does our laziness affect ourselves, it affects others. 

"Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks," Ecclesiastes 10:18

This verse is an analogy to the kingdom of a lazy monarch, and can become an analogy for our lives as well. Just like a lazy monarch affects his kingdom, a lazy wife, mother, daughter, student, employee, and follower of Christ will and does affect others, especially the people closest to you- the people in your home.

"What all thorns have in common is that they threaten to displace Christ as Lord in our lives. They try to  overwhelm us with their bigness and scare tactics...or in some cases, their appeal" - Caitlin Williams 

We often become too lazy to remove the thorns of laziness from our lives, and this is when our laziness takes a turn for the worse- it becomes sin. 

As a wife and mother, we hold a greater responsibility. We are in charge of the heart of the home. We are to strive to make the home a peaceful sanctuary. And even if we are not a wife or a mother, we still hold part of the responisbility of the home and those around us. Our attitude affects others, whether we realize it or not. 

All of this might sound like bad news, but there is good news. We still hold in our hands the hedge trimmer, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. When you feel overwhelmed, when you feel tempted, when you feel like you don't have the willpower, turn to Christ and His Word. Ask Christ for help. 

You can't do it all yourself. You can't meet every need that is thrown your way without continual refreshment in God's Word. Spending time in the presence of Christ will rejuvenate you in a way like no other. He will refresh your body, soul, and spirit.

"The more time you spend with the Lord, the more radiant you will become" -Stormie Omartian 

Ladies, become a Proverbs 31 woman! I challenge you to go through Proverbs 31 and make a list of all the character traits a virtuous woman has. Strive towards them! Ask Christ to help you become her! And I promise you, Christ will rip apart the hedge that is holding you captive. "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" Proverbs 31:30. 

 So...invite Christ in! Pick up that hedge trimmer and use it!! You have all the tools you need! 

Photo creds: https://louisaapril.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/i-never-plucked-the-rose/