EXPOSITION: Weeds are unwanted on the field of the farmer because they have no contribution to the growth of a plant; instead, they hinder the plant’s  growth. Hence, the farmer would always endeavour to uproot the weeds on the field. Similarly, as potential Christian leaders, there are some weeds we must intentionally deal with, lest they would tamper  with our growth.

We must deal with the things that sprouts up in our process of growing in order to attain growth. The weeds may sometimes be a character-dent (such as pride) and unhelpful things that shows off in the course of time when we get some opportunities  to exhibit our leadership ability.

In 1 Samuel 13:1-15, one weed that our attention is drawn to is fear. This was what caused Saul to be in haste to offer the unlawful sacrifice. The great potential of leadership God had prepared for him was just cut short because of fear. Fear will always lead to sin and truncate any great leadership potential. The activity of clearing the weeds require personal effort, and so we must intentionally undertake  it with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Also, pruning is very imperative for the sustenance of a tree in yielding fruit. On several occasions, the Apostle Paul did a good work of pruning Timothy (his spiritual son). Like Timothy, Christian youth must allow themselves to be corrected and pruned by matured  Christian leaders. The pruning of emerging young Christian leaders is very integral to their successful leadership. However, pruning must  be carried on wisely and tactfully. It must be done in the confines  of love.

A correction done outside the circumference of love turns out to be a destructive on slough. Thus, what is intended to have  a beneficial effect ends up being detrimental. As youth, with great leadership potentials, we must embrace the pruning from our Christian parents and leaders. We must also give ourselves to the  pruning of the Holy Spirit.