I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:30-34, NIV)
I walked the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club for the first time at the 2025 Masters in awe.
Television is incapable of reflecting the steepness of the hills and the demands of the greens “defined by swells, troughs, plateaus, and false edges,” as described by Golf Digest writer Derek Duncan. Most of all, the firm and uniform turf didn’t look real—there wasn’t a weed to be found anywhere.
The resources and labor required to maintain a weedless Augusta National golf course are one of a kind. The crew must work hard, long hours—sleepless nights, especially during Masters week.
Weeds and disease pose two challenges to playability and aesthetic appeal to any course. Both can spread rapidly and require constant prevention, intervention, and, at times, acceptance of their presence.
Life on this side of heaven faces the same challenges. Weeds and disease infiltrate our hearts, minds, and actions. The good news is that God is not afraid of the invasive nature of our humanity.
Apart from God, the consequences are harsh—eternal separation. Thankfully, we are given a choice to enter an eternal relationship with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
In the context of a relationship with Jesus, God’s grace intercedes on our behalf against our failures and brokenness (how we harm others). However, we still hold the responsibility to prevent, intervene, and accept, with God’s help, the weeds and disease that permeate our hearts and minds.
Examples of these weeds and diseases that need our attention are idolatry, lying, pride, greed, envy, lust (anything in excessive desire), gluttony, laziness, critically evaluating or condemning other’s actions, unforgiveness that holds onto bitterness or resentment, and uncontrolled anger.
In his second letter, Peter offers a powerful call to spiritual growth. He urges believers to intentionally add to their faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5-8).
Maturity in Christ doesn’t happen by accident; it requires effort to dig into his Word and understand his desire for us, discipline and endurance to keep doing the work, and dependence on God’s grace to help us get back up when we fall. Each quality builds on the previous one, shaping a character that reflects Christ more fully.
Life with Jesus isn’t just about having faith; it’s also about growing deeper and stronger in it. It’s a lifelong process.
When our hearts feel overrun, remember God is not afraid of our weeds and diseases. He will bring beauty out of our tangled places.
Weeds may sprout overnight, but roots of righteousness take time.
Prayer: Lord, help me notice the weeds and diseases in my life and lead me in the process of pulling them out.