When we moved into our home approximately 8 years ago, the fireplace chimney was partially covered with ivy vines. No doubt, this was the intention of the previous owner. He had built a trellis against the house and likely planted the vines in hope of having a decorative stand of greenery. Now, I'm not a horticulturalist, knowing the habits of plants and what must be done to keep them under control...therefore I did nothing to the ivy vines. I took this approach..."live and let live"..."don't bother me and I won't bother you." If you are wondering, that approach does not work with ivy vines! The last three days of my life have been spent extricating vines that completely took over my chimney, from bottom to top, and worked their way under my siding and shingles. I have been amazed at how aggressive Ivy vines are when left alone...they will take over or penetrate anything and everything in their path. My understanding is that the only way to completely rid yourself of these pesky vines is to dig them up at the roots. Amazing!
These Ivy vines remind me of habitual sins in our lives. Invariably as we travel through this thing called life, we allow little sins to take root in us. Seldom are these what we would call the "big" sins, but smaller things...white lies, gossip, profanity slips of the tongue, risky internet viewing. You get the idea. All of these "little" sins are individual vines that begin to grow and intermingle with other little vines. In time, our whole being has become a myriad of interconnected vines that cling to us tightly and invade every aspect of our lives. Sins never remain small, they seek to take over and take over, they will! There is only one option for removing these sins from our lives. You can't simply trim or partially remove them because they will immediately start growing again. They must be removed at the roots. Sin must be acknowledged as wickedness, repented of before God, and forsaken. Anything less in only cosmetic and will have no lasting result. Don't let little vines of sin overtake your life...uproot them!
