Bindweed roils my peaceful gardening soul. It grows prolifically, snaking along the ground and climbing up the stalks of other flowers. Removing bindweed is a pain due to how tightly it wraps around its host. It’s hard to spot, and so I only notice when it proudly opens its dainty white flowers on top of the plants I prefer.

In Paul’s role as an ambassador for Christ, he pressed everyone to be reconciled to God. Paul spoke with urgency, communicating the need to commit. He knew how a message stagnates when left unattended, and like bindweed, the world ensnarls the gospel imperative. Paul said it this way:

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Don’t let the message of God sit idle. A person can receive God’s grace in vain. We can ignore it, or fail to act upon it, or live our lives as if grace means nothing to us. The longer we lay it aside, the more we bury it under other concerns.

Now is the time. This means something different for each of us, but today the Lord has something for you and for me. Ask the Lord what it might be. Don’t put seeking the Lord off until tomorrow—don’t let bindweed entangle your relationship with Him.

2 Corinthians 6 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Bindweed photo by Leslie Saunders