Article March 12, 1977 Issue

Keeping Ahead of the Weeds

BEVERLY BEMIS HAWKS

Anyone who has pulled weeds, growing profusely in dry adobe soil, knows it takes patience, persistence, and perseverance—and usually great effort—to get them out. But there is an alternative to doing it the hard way. We can exercise the very same qualities before weeds get tough and rank—patiently cultivating, persistently keeping the earth moist, and perseveringly removing weeds on a regular basis when they're tiny. Now, which is easier?

Much like weeding, keeping unhealthy or sinful thoughts out of human consciousness can either be done regularly or postponed till the accumulation of deeply rooted errors must be yanked up all at once. Most of us care about ourselves, but we may not be alert to the need to uproot harmful, mortal thoughts on a day-to-day basis and thereby progress spiritually. Some do this intermittently; others are interested in consistently maintaining spiritual growth.

What we need to defend ourselves from in daily life is not primarily people or situations.

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