Lenten Meditations Week Six: Protecting our Fruitfulness

“And He built a tower in the middle of it”

Isaiah 5:2 (NASB)

This part of God’s garden prep deals with the hard fact that some folks will try to steal or destroy the results of others' fruitfulness.  God therefore took steps to protect against that. Sadly, that dynamic is still present. “Theft and vandalism are commonplace at many community gardens.” Community Garden Toolkit (University of Illinois Extension 2009), p.7; See also, Dealing with Vandalism & Theft in Your School Garden (South Dakota State University Extension 2013) (Video).

We have the same dynamic in our personal lives. Sin—in us and others—can limit or undo our fruitfulness if we don’t address it.

Fortunately, scripture tells us how to do that. One way is to stay away from situations where we can anticipate temptation and to get away from sin/temptation ASAP if we stumble upon either. Another is to stay focused on God and His word. A third is to keep busy with what God has called us to do and with good works generally.   

Here are some passages describing those approaches:

Avoiding situations where sin/temptation might be present; getting away from them when we encounter them:

Proverbs 5:1-14

Sirach 21:2

Matthew 5:29-30,18:8

2 Timothy 2:22

Focusing on God and His word:

Psalm 34:5-6, 14

Psalm 37:1-10

Psalm 91:1-2,14-15

Psalm 119:5-6

Proverbs 2:1-20

Proverbs 4:20-27

Ephesians 6:10-18

Keeping busy with what God has called you to do and good works generally:

2 Samuel 11:1-5 (by negative example)

Psalm 34:14

Psalm 37:27

Proverbs 4:25-27

Sirach 3:21-23

Colossians 3:23-24