Tumbleweed Christianity

 

Here in the southwest, tumbleweeds are a nuisance. Like a dried-up weed-ball, they roll every which way the wind blows. They congregate in the corner of a fencerow, obstruct a normal routine of travel, or just roll aimlessly across the plain. They never stay too long in one place, having no firm roots nor ever producing any worthwhile fruit. Basically, tumbleweeds are practically good for nothing. They are dead weeds.

Tumbleweeds are not indigenous to the southwest. They actually came to America via Ukrainian farmers. Their real name is the Russian thistle. If growing near a wheat field, the useless weed will deplete the moisture from the ground, depriving the nutrients needed for the wheat’s fruitfulness.

Such are many so-called Christians. They have similar characteristics as tumbleweeds: they move about aimlessly from church to church – they are shallow and have no roots, nor ever produce long-lasting fruit. If they congregate in a place for a time, having no desire to establish roots, they may become an obstruction for someone trying to stay on the right path of faithful fruitfulness.

When moved by the Holy Spirit to pen the letter to the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul explained the value of church structure for believers in Eph. 4:11-13. Note how he included verse 14:

Eph. 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Believers in Christ are not to be tossed to and fro like tumbleweeds. They are directed by the Scriptures to get rooted and grounded in faith and love (Eph. 3:17), grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18), and be fruitful for the glory of God (Jn. 15:8.) God’s plan is a local, visible assembly like Mountain Springs where one can establish roots, grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and be fruitful for His glory. Our church will introduce you to Christ and teach you His Word that you may grow thereby (1 Pet. 2:2).

Do not be a “tumbleweed” Christian. Come, plant your roots, and grow with us at Mountain Springs!
~Dr. John Adams

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