In 1876 a plant known as Kudzu was imported to help with erosion. Those few plants spread like wildfire, their roots shoot out, gripping the ground, crawling, covering trees, houses, and practically envelops anything that stands in its way. The Kudzu root system and interlocking vines become almost impossible to eradicate.

During the early 1980’s, I worked for a man who often traveled for his upper-management sales position. George* enjoyed his job and life. After each trip, he returned to the office with fun stories. One of his meetings took place in the deep south. Hungry and tried, George arrived late at night at his hotel. Room service was unavailable and he didn’t have keys to a car since his business partner had rented the automobile.

George looked out his window from the hilltop and noticed a fast-food restaurant. From where he stood, the fastest and easiest route seemed to be across a field. Dressed in his polyester, tan business suit, he made his way across the parking lot and began his journey. Unfortunately, he didn’t realize that green field was covered in Kudzu.

Sometime in the night, George’s business partner stood on his balcony and heard a plaintive cry for help. In the distance, he noticed a little tan spot in a sea of dark green. Kudzu had intertwined around George’s legs and body and he was unable to move. A rescue team was called to help eradicate him from the grips of the clinging vine.

The way had looked good and seemed to be an easy short cut for George, but he found out the hard way he should have taken the clear road.

Sin often looks like the easy way, a better way, a different way, to get what is wanted, but sin clings, claws, and envelops, sticking the sinner with negative consequences. The sinner is stuck and trapped, helpless without a rescuer and Savior.

I have good news,  no matter how stuck your sin situation may seem, Jesus Christ is the rescuer, redeemer, and Savior.

“My little children, I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. His name is Jesus Christ, the one who is all that is good and who pleases God completely. He is the one who took God’s wrath against our sins upon himself and brought us into fellowship with God; and he is the forgiveness for our sins, and not only ours but all the world’s.” ~ 1 John 2:1-2 (TLB)

“What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.” ~  Psalm 32:1-2 (TLB)

*The name has been changed to protect the identity of my very entertaining boss  (*George, thank you for the fun times).

From We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe