Invasive Weeds

Invasive weeds are plants that are typically not native to an area but that thrive in the environment.  Because they are not native, there are often not environmental factors, such as pests and diseases, that restrict their growth.  Then they usually have some characteristic that enables them to spread rapidly such as spreading roots, being prolific seeders or having tasty fruit that cause animals to spread the seeds. Consequently, they can take over large areas, choking out native plants and becoming a problem weed in crops. 

Some of these invasive weeds also have some very nasty properties such as thorns, as in the Himalayan blackberry shown at right.
Jesus talked about a different kind of invasive weed.  He said in the parable of the soil, “The seed (the word of God) that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” (Luke 8:14 (NIV))
What struck me about this list of weeds that Jesus gives are the second and third on the list: life’s riches and life’s pleasures.  These two things are among the primary values of much of our American society—Acquire lots of stuff and do whatever makes you feel good.

Reinforcing this thought later, Jesus says: "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." (Luke 16:15 (NIV))



Here are some value contrasts that I see from Jesus' life and ministry and teaching:

World’s Values	God’s Values
Getting	Giving
Sex	True love
Being on top	Being on the bottom
Making a name for yourself	Making a name for God
Befriending the rich and famous	Befriending the poor and powerless
Strength	Weakness
Preserving your life	Giving up your life for others
Security in wealth	Security in God
What’s mine is mine	What’s mine is God’s
Increasing property values	Increasing the value of people

I can’t say I’m immune from these values of our society—I like my stuff and I like to have fun.  But I have to be careful that these values don’t become invasive weeds—choking out the important things in life and keeping me from becoming like Him.  I need to be aggressive with the hoe and herbicide.