We all love to look at beautiful flowers, don’t we? The other day I thought about how an ordinary flower in my garden could have a lesson or two for me. I have shared what I learnt below, and I hope you will learn something too!
- Are you a flower that is quickly forgotten after it withers and dies?
Job 14:2 “We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow we quickly disappear.” (NLT)
Even the most beautiful flower cannot last forever, no matter how much you water it. In the same way, at some point, each of us will leave this world. The question begs, therefore, what will people say after you are gone? Are you living a life that will be quickly forgotten or one that will endure in people’s memories long after you have left this world?
- Are you a flower that is self-sufficient?
We all know that flowers can only grow and thrive where there is lots of water, good soil, and sunshine. Each flower is entirely dependent on the environment for its survival.
The book of James has an interesting analogy for us to consider:
James 1:11 “The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all their achievements. “(NLT)
The rich man referred to in this verse has achieved much out of his own efforts, but not with the help of God. As such, he and his achievements will fade away after he passes on, just like the flower. In contrast, anything that we achieve with God’s help has enduring value. Don’t be self-sufficient; rely on God and get your strength from him.
- Are you a flower that blossoms in God’s love?
Song of Songs 2:2 “Like a lily among thistles is my darling among young women.” (NLT)
From afar, the lover can see his beloved standing out among other young (and beautiful) women. She knows she is loved, and therefore she blossoms in the knowledge of that love.
Do you know and understand how much God loves you? He sent his only son to die on the cross for you and has given you his Holy Spirit to guide you. God is there for you in every situation you face. He is your father, and you are his child. You only need to accept his love, and grow and blossom in Godly beauty, as you grow closer to him.
- Are you a beautiful flower?
Luke 12:27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.” (NLT)
If you allow the Lord to clothe you, you will also be a beautiful flower, just like the lilies of the field. The Lord has many virtues that he longs to bestow upon us, like love, gentleness, self-control, obedience, etc. The result of having all these virtues actively working in your life is a beautiful countenance, one that many around you will admire!
- Are you a flower whose beauty fades in comparison to God’s Word?
Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” (NLT)
God’s Word is the primary guide for our Christian growth, making us into better believers. As such, though I desire to be God’s beautiful flower in this world, my beauty, which is a result of what his Word has done in my life, should not outshine that of the Word itself. My outward beauty should fade in comparison to the beauty of his Word. Food for thought!
So, then, which flower would you like to be? My prayer is that you will choose to be a flower that brings glory to God.