To Cling or Entangle?

A vine of Morning Glories entangling our windmill

We had purchased a small starting of a Morning Glory. At that time, it was only about 5” in height. I planted it in our garden patch and at first it didn’t appear that it was going to do too well.

I placed a metal support behind it, hopeful, but not convinced that it would thrive. But a few weeks later, it began to flourish. So much so, that as you can see, it came through the deck railing to attach itself to our windmill. It has woven itself this way and way. It’s beautifully filled with blooms.

So, I thought it can show a positive spiritual illustration … if we cling to the right support, great things can grow within us, from us. Here’s an example from Scripture: “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit.” John 15:5 HCSB

But this vine-like flower can also illustrate a powerful negative lesson. Here’s how, as Hebrews 12:1-2 defines it: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely (which entangles—NIV), and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” GNT

This beautiful vine reminded me of just how sin can cling, entangle, us. It has areas that look braided. These have given it strength—to grow. So the question is … are we attached to the One who gives us life? Or are we choosing things that cling, entangle—as with the windmill—keeping it from moving?

Question: Will we cling to God, His Word, His Will, His ways? Or will we allow sin, the world, culture—to entangle us?—and keep us from moving and following our Lord? Both, can appear beautiful, but only one type of life will yield a flourishing flower on earth and for eternity.

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