The Dandelion Deception

Last week we were pulling dandelions from the back yard. And by 'we', I mean my husband, brother and sister-in-law were pulling dandelions while I was trying to keep my 9-month-old from eating dandelions, grass, bugs, etc. There were SO many. Shauna used a handy tool that digs into the ground around the weed and pulls it out, root and all. Josh and Brandon used screwdrivers to dig them out where the tool couldn't get to them. It seems like every time we look outside, especially with the recent rain, more dandelions. Apart from a cute gesture from a child bringing you a weed that looks like a flower, most of us just see them as annoying. However, if we look closely, maybe we can see some spiritual truths.

My beautiful, intelligent sister (in-law) called me today to share some insights she had while running this morning. Insights from dandelions. Hopefully, I can do her great thoughts and ideas justice.

Dandelions can be deceiving, especially to children or those who are not familiar with them. If the root is deep enough and the plant healthy, it will produce a yellow flower. Because these are abundant in many places, it's common for kids to pick them and present them to teachers, moms and friends with a proud smile. The cheery yellow color disguises it in their eyes as a pretty flower, rather than a persistent weed.

In the same way, sin can be deceiving, just as someone who is struggling with sin can disguise themselves as being fine. Sin can look good on the outside, even enticing and seem harmless. A person can hide certain types of sin, at least for a while, and pretend that everything is ok. Those who are mature in Christ and have a more objective perspective of the situation can see sin for what it is, no matter how it appears. That is why it is so important to have people in our lives who can help us see what we are missing. Otherwise, the roots will grow deep, remain healthy and spread to other areas, poisoning and eliminating the good.

Isn't it interesting that dandelions require the same care that other, more desirable plants need? Sunlight and water. So, if I want to water my yard, but there are dandelions that I don't want, there is only one way to accomplish it. I must remove the dandelions completely. It is the same with sin in our lives. If we are nurturing ourselves, along with the sin, then it will continue to grow. It is imperative that the sin, all the way to the root, is extinguished before we can effectively cultivate the other areas in which we desire growth and development.

Shallow & Deep Roots 

If a dandelion has shallow roots, it may not flower, thus making it harder to identify it for what it is. It is still a weed and still has the ability to spread and infiltrate places where it is unwanted. So, it is with sin. Small sin is still sin, and gone unchecked, it has the capacity to grow. Some might even say that shallow roots and small sin are even more dangerous in some ways, because they don't seem as threatening and are most likely ignored with justification or misidentification.

If a dandelion has deep roots, it can be difficult to extract. Deep roots tend to be thicker, stronger and wrapped around everything within reach. And the reach continually extends farther and farther. With 'big' sin, rebellion against God that consumes us, there is no misidentifying it. There is no excuse. It has become powerful, and in turn made us feel powerless over it. It has wrapped itself around our minds, our motives and our emotions. The deep roots of sin are manipulative and very unforgiving. Removing these types of roots is a process that takes time, persistence and usually a lot of pain. It is necessary that the sin be removed, however difficult, or the result will be the sin becoming ultimate and all other thoughts, words, actions and decisions will be made by it.

In order for us to prevent dandelions invading the green pastures of our hearts, there are some really simple steps we can take.

Awareness
We must be aware and constantly look for them, so they can be identified and removed quickly before the roots get too deep.

Accountability
We must ask those around us whom we trust to look for them, too, so they can help us see the ones that try to hide that we may miss. Then, they can provide accountability, so we don't get lazy about pulling weeds.

Application
Always, we must be in the Word and take time to bask in the presence of the Savior, our true source of life. Then, we will be able to see weeds for what they are and choose the flowers of true beauty instead.