By Tom Gilbert

It is summer time and things are growing. In gardens and fields crops are sprouting up. Alongside may be some unwelcome weeds. Anyone who has done gardening or farming knows how pesky those weeds can be.

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus speaks to people in many parables. One of his most intriguing is the one about the wheat field sowed with good seed (Matt 13:24-29). He likened it to the kingdom of heaven. Good seed planted by the Son of Man. But an enemy came along at night and sowed weeds all through the wheat. A dirty trick. When the weeds sprout up alongside the wheat crop the workers are upset. They go to the Master and ask him if they should pull up the weeds.

The wise reply, “‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest”.

This parable is meant to teach us some important lessons. How often have Christians tried to remove themselves from the “evil” influences of the world? Many people think if we shield ourselves from bad influences we will avoid the evil. There is a certain kind of logic to this. Don’t associate with bad company. Don’t hang out where unsavory things are taking place. But trying to just avoid evil and live in a bubble doesn’t work. It might minimize those influences, but it also takes us away from participating in a world filled with people who need us to teach and reach with the influence of the Gospel.

One of the things many of us struggle with is the inclusiveness of God. Jesus demonstrated it. He openly associated with all types of people. And he was roundly criticized by the religious leaders of his day for hanging out with tax collectors, prostitutes, drinkers and pagans. Jesus answered his critics by telling them he came for the lost, the lonely, the sick, the hurting, the confused and all those who need to know God’s love and forgiveness. And he pointed out the hypocrisy of the so-called “good” people trying to shame him for associating with the unclean.

One of the strongest lessons I get from this parable is to not be judgmental. God loves everybody. Everybody is one of God’s kids. I can be in the world without having to be of the world. God working in us, with us and through us is more powerful than the Devil and evildoers. Don’t be afraid to be wheat among the weeds. In the end God will sort it out. You never know how influential being the hands and feet of Christ may be.

It all starts with living right where you are and letting the Master shine His grace on you and bring out your goodness. Let it grow and (like another parablehttp://tinyurl.com/3on9csm) you may be the yeast that leavens the batch of dough.