Ways To Give

Marigolds: Protectors

Written by Muriel Larson

Are you feeling lonely? Do you need a friend? We are here for you.

The bright, cheerful-looking marigolds have long been one of my favorite annuals. They bloom in my area from May through October in just about any soil or situation. In the fall, when I clean up my vegetable garden, I scatter the marigold seeds around; and up they come in the spring. They rid the soil of nematodes and Mexican bean beetles, and various harmful insects dislike them.

I’ve heard that dried marigold petals can make a tea that settles nerves and helps a person to sleep if taken an hour before bedtime.  They can be used to flavor salads, omelets, hamburger, and stuffing, and with roasts, beef, and chicken.  They are said to kill certain germs in the body. Mixed with Vaseline or cold cream, they make a salve for wounds.

As I think of the protective qualities of this hardy plant, I’m reminded of the solicitude the Apostle Paul had for his fellow Christians. He wrote to the Christians at Rome, “I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to make you strong” (Romans 1:11). Paul cared about their sorrows and burdens; he earnestly desired that they would be knit together in love and come to know and experience the riches of God.

How our fellow Christians today need that same care shown to them! So many have fallen away from the Lord for one reason or another. Many of their marriages, their homes have fallen apart. Our young people today, as well as adults, are assaulted by temptations and mind defilers that many of us of the older generation never dreamed of, because in former times society as a whole upheld certain moral values.

Do we care what happens to our fellow Christians? In my counseling I have heard many tales of how badly lives, marriage, and children have been hurt in such cases. If we can just help one person keep from going astray, or help one come back to the Lord, we might save a world of misery, or we might even save a life.

If you have not been a marigold type of Christian up to now–one, that is, who is caring and protective of your brothers and sisters in Christ–why not ask the Lord to lay on your heart someone who may need your solicitude and help?

We can not only help those who have fallen away, but also those who need comfort, encouragement and physical or spiritual aid. Oh, how we need more marigold Christians! Joy fills a marigold Christian’s heart like a sunbeam and shines its light into the hearts of those who need it.

Questions: Is there someone in your life that you could give some encouragement and comfort to? What difference has it made in your life when someone has taken the time to comfort you in time of sorrow?

3 Responses to “Marigolds: Protectors”

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• Doris says:

  June 15, 2011 at 12:18 pm

  Would that we would all be marigold christians!!! Such a great reminder to all of us!
• Linda R says:

  May 28, 2011 at 1:34 am

  Great Devotional…Lord Please Help me to be a Marigold Christian! Thank you so much for sharing and May The Lord Richly Bless You and Continue To Use You For His Glory! Hugs, Linda!!!
• DonnaL says:

  May 26, 2011 at 2:08 pm

  Loved, loved, loved the devotional today. I want to thank God and give thanks for all my beautiful Christian sisters who have encouraged and comforted me with their God filled words and love. Praise the Lord!

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