Hidden Weeds

While weeding the other day I noticed a green weed growing alongside of a green plant. From even a close distance it was hard to spot the weed, yet it still existed. I was tempted to not pull the weed as “no one would know”. The Lord then said to me, “I know all, and you are to live for Me alone.”

It didn’t matter if anyone else would have ever seen that weed. God knew and wanted me to remove it. The same principle applies to our daily activities: we are to live for the Lord, not others. The Lord sees and knows all things. Hebrews 4:13 states that “nothing in all of creation is hidden from God’s sight.” (NIV). Humans have a tendency to want to look good on the outside. We avoid lying, stealing, and other noticeable sins, yet it is the Lord who sees our heart. Jesus said if you lust after a woman you have already committed adultery in your heart (Matthew 5:28). Or, if you hate your brother you are a murderer (1 John 3:15).

Even though you don’t physically sleep with another man’s wife or kill someone, your heart motive is what God sees. He cares about your heart not your outward appearance. In 1 Samuel the Lord reminded Samuel of this when he was selecting Israel’s next king: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature… For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” (16:7, ESV).

The Lord wants all of us. He doesn’t want to settle for most; He wants our entire being. Things that we think are hidden or of little importance do matter to Him as He wants an uninhibited relationship with His children.

He will show you the things that He wishes to change in your life. Chances are He already has. Are you willing to do as He is asking? Are you willing to put Him first in your life? It is not about behavior modification or appeasing Him (see Appease or Please God devotional), rather we are to have a desire to joyfully be obedient in all areas of our lives.

 

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

“’You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’” Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV)

“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:15 (ESV)

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)