2 Peter 3:17  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.  We must remember that when the conditions are good for growing good things in the garden,  those same conditions are conducive to growing weeds!  As I write,  my wife has a beautiful garden that needs to be tilled.  We’re waiting for the soil to dry up enough to run the tiller  between each row.  Why, because we want to uproot the grass and the weeds that rob the beans and taters of the nutrients needed to produce.
The thorns and thistles are a direct result of the curse of sin.
In our lives, we must continually be on guard against the things that seek to rob us of the nutrients necessary to grow.  Not only do we need to uproot the undesirable weeds in the garden,  but we need to fertilize
the good stuff!  The word of God is excellent fertilizer!  It will promote growth as we grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus!   So, are you growing?  If not, why not?  Is there something choking out the word and its nutrients in your life?   Lord, help us in the garden of our lives to be fruitful.  We thank you for the nutrients provided through your word.   Help us to root out the things that hinder and fertilize those things that will help. In Jesus name.  Amen.  Pastor