"Beauty and the Beast..Beware"

"Beauty and the Beast...Beware"

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." ~Romans 12:9

Do you know what a Bull Thistle is? They are those tall bushy plants that grow wild in fields, on the sides of the road and in some cases, in our yards. That can grow 2-3 feet tall and in their second year of growth they produce beautiful flowers that range in color from a creamy beige to a dark magenta. The flowers produce sweet nectar that attracts hummingbirds, bumblebees, butterflies and other insects. The seeds of the plant are loved by birds, especially goldfinches.* I think  Bull Thistles are so pretty and they serve a good purpose. While doing my research on them, I discovered that the entire plant is edible, who knew! So, after discovering all the good things about this plant you might think you need to put a few of these beauties in your flowerbeds next spring? Wait just a minute, I need to tell you more...

You see, just beneath those gorgeous majestic flowers are long ugly thorns. Those sharp prickly needles cover both the stems and the leaves. In fact, the entire plant is covered with thorns with the exception of those pretty flowers. Let me warn you, do not dare think of touching anything below the flower because you will regret it! One more thing, even as tiny plants when they first put on leaves, those stickers are already developed. Trust me, I have stepped on those little "beast" many times when walking barefoot...yep, I quickly learned to watch where I step. I promise you their beauty does NOT outweigh the pain they can deliver ... OUCH! Oh, and one more thing, they are very invasive!

The Bull Thistle kinda reminds me of worldly pleasures. At first glance we may see something beautiful that tempts us to grab hold of it. However, just below the surface of that beauty, there are long prickly thorns that can cause us much pain and hurt.  Those thorns are usually hard to see because we are so caught up in the "beauty" of the moment...but when we reach for it...oh the pain, the trouble, the sorrow it can bring! Even worse, that hurt and pain can invade your heart and over time completely consume you. That beauty soon turns into a beast!

This is why it is so important to seek God's will first in everything we do, to keep our eyes on Christ and hide His Word in our heart.  "How can a young man cleanse his ways? By taking heed according to Your Word. With my whole heart I have sought You. Oh let me not wander from Your commandments. You Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You." ~Psalm 119:9-11.

My friends, there is nothing in this world that can compare to the joy, the peace and the beauty that Christ brings to our life!  If you have been hurt by the beauty and the beast of this old world I encourage you today to "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."   ~~Helen Lemmel