My second summer gardening was in 2023, and I was hopeful. I had learned a lot from the previous year, and I couldn't wait to see my garden grow. But I had a problem – squash bugs.
These little pests consumed most of my harvest before I even knew they were coming. I did it all – organic sprays, hand-picking and crushing them, even praying for my plants. But no matter how much I toiled, they bred quicker than I could manage. It was a lost cause.
So for the summer of 2024, I thought, what if I just leave them alone? I figured if squash grew wild without me doing anything, maybe nature would take care of itself. Maybe I didn't have to fight so hard.
I was totally mistaken.
Those squash bugs didn't think twice about moving in. I watched them laying eggs, hatching more bugs, and becoming a suffocating infestation. Before I could even blink, my plants were covered, and I couldn't keep up.
And isn't sin the same?
At first, we think that we can just let it stay. It is small, it looks harmless. Can't we still live with Jesus and have a few tiny sins left? What is the damage?
But sins, like squash bugs, don't stay small. James 1:15 shows us: "Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
We rationalize a bit here, a bit there, but soon enough, it spreads. It multiplies. It grows in our lives, and before we know it, we're overwhelmed, asking ourselves how we ended up here.
Sin will always multiply when not restrained. It never stays contained.
This year, I'm being proactive. I'm taking steps to keep the squash bugs away from my crops.
And we should be just as proactive when protecting our hearts.
Here are some elements of proactive protection:
1. The Mesh Covering – The Holy Spirit Watches Over Us
This year, I'm covering my plants with a mesh cover to exclude the pests. This barrier can limit the pests from landing and reaching my plants. It is quite similar with the Holy Spirit.
If we allow Him to fill us as full as possible, there isn't much room for anything that will seek to get ahold of us and destroy us.
Galatians 5:16 tells us: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Just like my mesh cover shields my plants from insects, the Holy Spirit shields us from the forces of this world.
2. Healthy Soil – Feeding Our Souls With the Word
Controlling pests in the garden may be achieved through building up the soil. Healthy and strong plants develop in soil that is rich with organic matter and minerals. When dirt is tended to and properly fed, it becomes life-giving soil, well equipped to stand against disease as well as insects.
Reading God's Word works in a similar way as it trains us in righteousness.
Psalm 1:3 describes a righteous person as "a tree planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers."
We must be deeply rooted in God's Word. It nourishes us, makes us strong, and allows us to be able to withstand the assault of sin.
3. Companion Planting – Being Surrounded by Godly Influences
A different, natural way to ward off pests is companion planting. Plants like nasturtium, dill, and marigolds attract helpful insects. Some plant pairings encourage a better yield of fruit while others ward off pests that badger the companion plant.
This strikes me as similar to how much community matters.
Proverbs 13:20 says: "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
We need godly relationships to shield us from becoming weak in faith. Fellowship with other believers who correct, encourage, and remind us of Jesus is the way to keep sin at bay.
4. Pulling Up the Infested Plants – Repenting to the Holy Spirit
Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, an infestation sets in. Some plants are too far gone and must be pulled up to save the rest of the garden.
There are moments in our spiritual walk where we have to do the same – recognize where sin has taken root and bring it before the Holy Spirit in repentance. We cannot ignore the damage and expect healing. Repentance is the act of removing what is diseased so new life can grow.
When we confess and turn from the sin, the Holy Spirit does what only He can do – restore us, heal the soil of our hearts, and help new fruit to grow.
We don't repent to walk in shame – we repent to walk in freedom.
In the end, squash bugs are just a reality of gardening, just as sin is a reality of life. The problem isn't whether sin will try to find its way into our hearts – it's whether we'll let it take root and grow.
The good news is that Jesus has already won the battle for us.
Romans 6:12-14 reminds us: "Therefore do not give sin control over your physical body so that you submit to its sinful desires. Do not offer your body to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God. Because sin will no longer be your master, for you are not under law but under grace."
We don't have to live dominated by sin. We have Christ, and He has given us the weapons with which to fight off the attack:
- We submit fully to the Holy Spirit.
- We feed on His Word.
- We surround ourselves with the right influences.
- We repent of sin to the Lord.
This year, I'm not going to let squash bugs overrun my garden. And most importantly, I'm not going to let sin overrun my heart. For the truth is, sin – just like squash bugs – can only ruin what we allow it to infest.
Kelley Ford
Born in Baltimore, but now residing in Southern PA, Kelley lives with her two kids, who bring her sunshine on dark days. They have one dog, three cats, and more plants than she can count. Her favorite things to do are singing on the praise and worship team at her church, tending to her large outdoor garden and indoor house plants, and occasionally hobby hopping from art to woodworking to writing. If she's home, there's a 75% chance that she's dancing in her kitchen to worship music.
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