Dandelions & Bitterness

I found this in some of my outlines don't know where it came from but it is pretty good so I thought I would share it with you. It might be a help to you

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:15

Some Things I Have Learned About A Dandelion (It is hardy)
• It sends down one main taproot and can regenerate the entire plant from any part of that root. • It grows low to the ground to protect itself from grazing animals and lawnmowers until it is ready to go to seed.
• It can grow anywhere. * Forest Floor * Rocky beach * Well-kept lawns It is prolific.
• It goes to seed rapidly. * In 12-18 hours, it goes from a flower bulb to a full seed head.
• One plant produces hundreds of seeds.
• It multiplies efficiently. * Every petal is a complete flower and can completely reproduce. Is is deceptive and destructive.
• It begins with a pretty yellow flower.
• It becomes ugly very quickly. How many newly mown yards are marred by the dandelion stems that pop right back up?
• It robs sunlight and nutrients from all the plants and grass around it. It is hard to destroy.
• You have to kill the entire root.
• The seeds are widespread. Seeds can travel miles and have been known to cross mountains.

Some Things I Have Learned About Bitterness (It is hardy)
• It has a strong root. * Bitterness usually has its root in an event over which I have no control. I am hurt and rather than allow God to use the event according to His will, I get bitter.
• It grows deep in the heart to avoid detection and removal until it has a firm hold and is ready to go to seed.
• It can happen to any of us. * The wild untamed heart who may say, “I don’t care.” Yes, you do. * The thin, stony, or sandy heart who may say, “Things just don’t get to me.” Yes, they do. * The guarded, tended heart who may say, “I stay close to God.” It only takes one undetected or ignored seed of bitterness to plant a root. It is prolific.
• It grows and reproduces rapidly
• One event to which I inappropriately respond will create hundreds of seeds of sin in my life.
• It multiplies efficiently. * Unless I get the root, every petal of the bitterness will generate sin. Is is deceptive and destructive.
• It appears pleasant at first. * When something bad happens, doesn’t it feel good to blame and complain?
• It becomes ugly very quickly.
• It robs from the good things in my heart and life. It is hard to destroy.
• You have to kill the entire root.
• The root of bitterness is two-fold: * A lack of faith in God. * Selfishness. Galatians 5:19-21 The works of the flesh are all rooted in selfishness.
• The seeds are widespread. “… and thereby many be defiled.”

To overcome a root of bitterness, I must:
1. Confess my selfishness.
2. Give my heart and hurt to God and trust Him.
3. Choose to respond positively to the events in my life