The Parables of JesusSample

WEEDS AMONG GOOD PLANTS, SORTING FISH Both of these parables show us church attendance, even life-long attendance, doesn't always equate to a renewed heart and a relationship with Jesus. So we should examine our hearts to make sure we are resting in Christ, not our "Christian-ness," for salvation. Have you ever found yourself saying, "Oh, I've always been a Christian," or "Oh, I've always gone to church" when asked about your testimony? Is your knowledge of scripture more important than your relationship with Christ? Do you find yourself taking comfort in your lack of rule breaking, as opposed to cultivating a desire for holiness? Are you trying to just "stay saved" instead of making disciples and advancing God's Kingdom? These parables are not an excuse to avoid clear, blatant sin in the church. Church leaders should address such in the lives of church members. However, instead of becoming spiritual detectives and putting ourselves on the case of finding the "weeds" in our church and the churches around us, we should examine our own hearts to see if any weeds are growing up!