Yesterday I decided to clean up the backyard. I discovered that grape vines were climbing large trees. I thought this was no problem, I will just cut them off at ground level and pull them down. I pulled and pulled and some were making the whole large tree sway. They were not letting go. You would think a little vine could not hurt a tree with a large trunk. The more it covers over the tree the leaves shade out the leaves of the tree and can cause harm to the tree. The thing I noticed was it was not just one vine but so far up it would split off and send out more vines going in other directions. Now I had a real battle on my hands. It reminded me of the Bible verse,

II Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds:) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

I related this to my every day life. How many times did some little sin creep into my heart and life and how easy it is to minimize it and not deal with it right then. So do not wait until you get home or until you are alone, we can talk to God in our hearts anytime and anywhere.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

Also a grape vine has many roots under the ground that have not been discouraged by cutting off at ground level. Just like sin, they are under the surface and not to be noticed visually but they can come back up into another vine if you do not deal with the roots.

Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;