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My family went blackberry picking this weekend on our neighbors’ property near the irrigation canal. I have always been mesmerized by blackberry plants they seem perfectly designed to protect their fruit and unlike other plants with thorns, blackberries have the uncanny ability to repel with sharp barbs while simultaneously pulling you in with the same barbs. If you haven’t experienced this phenomenon good for you, but if you have ever tried to harvest blackberries off a thorned plant you know exactly what I mean. We grow blackberries on our property, but they are thornless, not only is their yield less I seldom get any before the birds. As I was deep in a thicket of blackberries wading into irrigation water and trying to avoid falling into the barbwire fence, I started to think about my Christianity in relation to these plants. I’m strange, I know it, and if you didn’t know it yet, well surprise!
These blackberry plants co-exist in the ecosystem they were dropped into in the late 1800s, growing, thriving, and prolifically spreading. They produce abundant fruit, and they protect their fruit. Blackberries are considered a nuisance, even invasive. I do not intend to argue the merit of the often described as “feral” blackberry but to draw your attention to the beauty of this creation.
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
John 15:19 NIV
We as Christians do not belong to the world, and when living our life by biblical values we might not be the most popular family on the block. Our beliefs run counter to popular culture, and we will feel that wrath, our children will feel that wrath. We are called as Christians to thrive where we are planted, to build community, to have a strong root in scripture, and to spread the gospel. We are called to yield fruit, to protect that fruit, and to be in the world not OF the world. My Christian faith indeed shares some similarities with a blackberry thicket. As I nurse the scratches and punctures left behind from our family blackberry picking outing, I will give thanks to God for my blessings and this message.
Heavenly Father, let me be like the blackberry thicket, spreading my reach, protecting my family, and yielding fruit for your glory. Remind me when I face adversity that this is not my forever home and of the treasures that await your children in Heaven. Glory to God and thank you Jesus for being my friend! -Amen
May the words that flow from me Lord be filled with Your message and when I am obedient may they be backed by the Holy Spirit. When I serve righteously let none of the words, I utter in praise of You fall to the ground. Help me to craft every word, may they pierce hearts and refresh weary souls. This gift is Yours; God I simply aim to use it for your glory.
–Love Cortney