"But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn." - Matthew 13:29-30

Down through the years people have made interesting choices of segregation. Many families have chosen to send their children to parochial or church schools, segregating them from the secular educational system. Other folks live in their own communities, totally segregated from the world, such as the Amish. But, whatever avenue is followed, the world and all its secular ways is still ever present. You can't run from the wind.

In this parable, Jesus makes it clear that in His time, and only in His time, will the weeds of the world be removed. He intends for the wheat to grow together with the weeds. While the parable doesn't give us a wide array of reasons for this integration, the Lord leaves segregation for the harvest. The thought provoking concept is this: grow where the Lord plants you, and stop running from the wind.

The great oak grows strong against the pressure of a mighty wind. Believers can also grow strong against the secular winds of unbelief. Integration forces us to stand firm in the faith and give a reason for the hope that is within. It's your choice to make a difference my friend. Grow where the Lord has planted you and stop running from the wind.