Inviting Weeds

You’d think a plant is just like any plant until you find out more about it.

Can you believe these blackberries (Himalayan Blackberries) are considered invasive plants? According to the WA State Noxious Weed Control Board verbatim, “It is a notorious invasive species in many countries around the world and costs millions of dollars for both control and in estimated impacts. This species spreads aggressively and has severe negative impacts to native plants, wildlife and livestock.”

When ripe, they look inviting, and they truly are! They are non-toxic and are actually edible. The problem mainly lies on the nature of the plant being hard to control once it has taken root. It can grow into dense impassable thorn bushes that can cause abrasions and injury to anyone who is not careful.

Imagine trying to navigate through these in the dark.

I would gladly plant them in an acre or two designated to grow only these. Since I have not personally tried dealing with the possible problems I read about, I can only think of positive things (like the joy of harvesting berries and making jellies) that it would take little to nothing to care for these, but then again, when you invite weeds, there’s a foreboding feeling everything will not always turn out as you hoped.

We are warned in Scripture about inviting false prophets. People engage in a religious dialog hearing similar and familiar terms which on the outset seems harmless, but we are to assess how grounded we are in our own convictions. Without caution, we may get ourselves entangled in unintended consequences.

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

Matthew 7:15-20

“and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”

Matthew 24:11

“Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them.”

Deuteronomy 11:16