Some time ago a clematis and a honeysuckle were planted on each side of the door of a house, and it was very interesting to watch the growth of both.
Soon afterward the family went away. for a week, and on their return eagerly looked to see what progress the two plants had made.
The honeysuckle was strong and healthy, but all that remained of the clematis was a withered stem, with dried up buds and leaves.
What was the cause of this? Both had received the same rain, and the same sunshine.
So the clematis was dug up and emined, and the source of the trouble was discovered—a wire-worm was found at the root eating away the life of the plant.
There are two things in the destruction of the clematis that we do well to note—first, the worm was only a very small thing to have caused such damage; and secondly, it was hidden from sight—doing the work of destruction unseen!
As the poor clematis was thrown away—worthless—it reminded me of how our lives are sometimes spoiled for God by the small, hidden things which Satan so often uses to entrap those who kmw the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.
It matters not what the thing is, whether large or small, the enemy of our souls well knows our special weakness, and will see to it that we constantly have that particular weakness to face. There are many hidden things, which if allowed will spoil our service for God. I will only mention one, and that is, unprofible reading. I am not thinking of had books now; possibly the hedges of love which surround us keep us from those; nor yet the necessary educational books in connection with school life. I mean the “no harm” books and papers, so called. The enemy has many agents who write attractively for young people—simple stories and useful knowledge to begin with, then a little untrue light reading, which usually leaves a thirst for more. So a periodical or book is taken regularly, or a library is joined so as to provide more constant reading, and as the books increase, so does the thirst!
How true are the words of the Lord Jesus in John 4:13,
“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again.”
I believe that the constant reading of that which is untrue affects the mind to a great extent, so that there is little or no appetite for the Scriptures, and valuable time is lost winch perhaps is never regained. In the 4th chapter of Philippians, verse 8, we read, “Whatsoever things are true,... think on these things”; and as we usually think. about what we read, it is very important to read what is true.
Dear young reader, do not be like the clematis, slowly, secretly, and silently, spoiled by a worm, but as you give your heart to the Lord Jesus at your conversion give also your spare time, much or little, to the things which will abide when everything in this-wodd will have passed away.
“The words of the Lord are pure words.” Psa. 12:6.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psa. 119:105. “The Word of the Lord endureth forever.” 1 Peter 1:25.
ML 03/23/1941