There has been an alien invasion in my neighborhood. Hordes of intrusive water hyacinth have overtaken the ponds and lakes of our community and made themselves at home. These dangerous weeds reproduce quickly, doubling their presence every seven days, and creating a thick cover of leaves that cuts off all sunlight to the plants below. In a short time, this deadly plant eliminates life-giving oxygen, creating a holocaust in the water below. Native plants die, fish die, and the habitat for aquatic birds is destroyed.
To repel this invasion, we have unleashed mechanical war machines that look like Bobcat skid loaders atop miniature barges. These machines have been buzzing around our lake, scooping up weeds and depositing them on shore. Victory is near!
As I observe our lake becoming healthier each day, I think of the evil invaders that overtake my life and separate me from the life-giving oxygen of God’s Spirit. One of the dangers of water hyacinth is that its glossy green leaves and purple flowers make people think they would like one in their pond. The invaders in my life can also look attractive. The Bible tells us that when Eve was contemplating whether to eat the forbidden fruit, she “saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise.” (Genesis 3:6) Who wouldn’t want a bite of that?
Life would be easier if our alien invaders looked evil.