Text by Chaella Pinlac
Read:
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Matthew 13:24-30 NKJV
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”
Reflect:
The world has become so accustomed to pointing out the mistakes and imperfections of each individual. So much so, that some even dedicate their lives to recognizing and ruthlessly exposing other people for their own flaws. As a new generation in a new season, it can be tempting to follow along with this practice because with each succeeding generation, the goal is improvement. We learn from the influence and past experiences of those who came before us and we strive to do better. Who wouldn’t want to filter out the faulty so that only the best remain? In fact, we are called to be set apart as children of God. We are called to discern right from wrong. God instructs us to be wise in this way that we may live like Jesus who was righteous and obedient. However, it seems that we might’ve taken this command a step too far. It is not our role to dictate the tares apart from the wheat. As a matter of fact, we are incapable of doing so because tares and wheat are almost identical! Only God has the power to truly tell them apart.
The reality is that these two coexist until the day of judgment and however troubling this may seem, this truth should not discourage us as believers. Jesus explains in the parable that gathering up the tares before the time of harvest will also uproot the wheat. By the grace of God, those who appeared to be tares in the beginning may also be transformed! So do not gather them before the time of harvest. By taking on a role that isn’t ours, we may actually bring more damage despite any good intentions we may have. Instead of focusing our energy on judging others, we should take the time to reflect on our own lives and our own journeys of faith.
Respond:
In this new season, let us rid ourselves of the condemning and judgmental culture and instead share the grace of the Father. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” Examine yourselves. Focus first on your personal relationship with the Lord and the fruits will follow. As the new generation of today, your life will be an inspiration to others and your impact will pave the way for the generations to come.
Chaella is a college student from Manila who strives to do well in her academics, be a good friend, sister, and daughter, and set an example for others. In everything that she does, she hopes to bring glory to God’s name and share his love with those around her.
AUTHOR: Chaella Pinlac