Beautifully Invasive

Originally from China, the Mimosa or Silk tree was introduced to the United States in 1745 and cultivated since the 18th century primarily for use as an ornamental. Mimosa remains a popular ornamental because of its fragrant and showy flowers. Due to its ability to grow and reproduce along roadways and disturbed areas, and its tendency to readily establish after escaping from cultivation, mimosa is considered a Category II invasive by Florida’s Exotic Pest Plant Council. (https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/albizia-julibrissin/)

Perhaps you've lived where mimosa trees reproduce in great abundance. They seem to spring up everywhere in spring and you'll find yourself constantly pulling them up by the roots or spraying them with a weed killer, just to do it again the following year. If untreated or permitted to grow they will quickly take over a landscape. They are drought tolerant, can grow in sun or shade to 20-25 feet wide and 30-40 feet tall, and are cold hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. So once they are rooted they are not going anywhere.

The beauty of a mimosa tree is deceiving. What was meant to be ornamental quickly becomes an invasive threat. Have you noticed things in your life that at first appeared to be a good thing but eventually got out of hand and became a threat? Social media is good but too much of it has been known to ruin relationships. Desserts are good but too much of a good thing will cause obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues. Even too much exercise can be harmful to one's body. We are often drawn to the immediate attraction of something or someone without understanding the consequences of letting it grow to invasive proportions in our life.

How do we prevent this from happening to us? Some of the biggest traps involve placing too much importance on earthly things, being involved in sexual sin, and loving money/wealth. Keep out of trouble by fleeing the very thought or temptation of it.

• Flee from idolatry - 1 Corinthians 10:14
• Flee from sexual immorality - 1 Corinthians 6:18
• Flee these things (love/pursuit of money) - 1 Timothy 6:11a

And what can we do if we find ourselves already deeply encompassed by the consequences of allowing something disruptive or harmful to take control of our lives?

• Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. - 1 Timothy 6:11b
• Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. - 1 Timothy 2:22a
• Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. - James 4:7

If you are running "to" something/someone then you are running "from" something/someone else. Pursue godly ways, call upon Christian friends for support, flee from those invasive obsessions and submit yourself wholeheartedly to God.