The Worm That Destroys

Pastor Randy Corbin,  Transitional Lead Pastor

It was the finest tomato that Linda and I had ever raised.

The potted tomato plant on our deck was coddled by Linda and me.  We sprayed, fertilized and covered it.  And, keeping it up on our second story deck, no animal could reach it.

So the tomato grew.  It was softball size and gorgeous, worthy of any county fair contest.

Then tragedy struck.  I still recall the disgusting horror.  Conducting my daily examination, I bent down and looked on the other side of this prize and what did I see?  A huge, ugly, green tomato worm burrowed deep into the tomato.  I could not believe my eyes.  There was this creature giving itself to devouring and destroying this precious tomato.  Linda and I despaired.  Hope deferred indeed makes the heart sick.

There is a worm that seeks to enter your life and mine to devour us and destroy us.  It may be the worm of covetousness (lust), of greed, of lying, of slander, of temper, or self-centeredness.

For some of us, we have fought the worm so long we simply have allowed it to coexist with us.  And for a few, we have simply owned it:  i.e. it is just the way I am wired, it is my Irish heritage, or it is just this weakness.

From time to time, when we weary of this worm discouraging us, with the greatest of will power and prayer, we seek to see it eradicated.  That works for a time but never with any permanence.  So we give up and accept this half a holy life.

Just a couple of thoughts:

1.  This worm that is digging its way into our lives is not us or some weak side of us.  It is the Enemy:  this satanic force/spirit that wants to discourage and dilute us. (I Peter 5:8-9)
2. Although this worm may attempt to convince us that it is for our good (remember the serpent and Eve?), it will cripple us and weaken us.
3. Authority has been granted us to confront the worm and in the name of Jesus and by His blood, bind it, rebuke it, and cast it out for the enemy that it is. (Mark 16:17ff)
4. Ridding ourselves of the worm may well require the assistance of others to partner with us in the war against the worm.

God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3ff).  There is no need to live with the worm.  It is the enemy.  Let us, rebuke this enemy and pursue holiness – complete and victorious.

Linda and I were forced to destroy the once prized tomato.  Thanks be to God, God can redeem us from the worm in our life and give us wholeness and holiness.

Let’s get rid of any worm in our lives!  Let’s be whole and holy vessels fit for the Master’s use!