Philadelphia hosted the United States Centennial Exposition in 1876. Countries from around the world sponsored exhibits.
Japan’s site featured a beautiful garden with native plants from the island nation. A green vine with large leaves and sweet smelling blossoms entranced guests.
Soon gardeners across the United States were planting KUDZU as an ornamental plant!
Two nursery operators in Florida discovered that animals could eat kudzu as forage. They shipped the plant across North America. In fact, a sign in Chipley, Florida proudly declares: Kudzu developed here!
During the Great Depression, the Soil Conservation Service promoted the use of kudzu to prevent soil erosion. It surpassed ALL expectations. Kudzu controlled soil erosion like General Sherman controlled urban sprawl during the Civil War!
Although attractive and fragrant, the invasive plant can overwhelm buildings and fields. The “Green Flame” chokes out other vegetation and trees, providing shelter for rats and snakes.
Sin is the kudzu of the spiritual life.
It begins small but quickly spreads. Sin is always deadly and destructive. It takes hold in our lives and overwhelms us. Then it chokes out our spiritual lives. Paul understood this reality when he wrote: The wages of sin is death.
The best way to control kudzu is to never allow it to take root. Turns out the same principle applies to sin.
Treasure in Jars of Clay 
Sin. Not something we read about or hear about much anymore. I don’t think any of us are really in touch with our own sins like we ought to be. I know I’m not. But this article made me stop and think about it and prompted me to pay more attention to it. Thank you for that.
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