Death by strangulation is not mere words scribbled on a coroner’s death certificate. There is no easy way for an innocent victim to go out into eternity. To me, death by strangulation is especially morbid. In their younger years, both my daughter and son, knew they gave me the willies when they playfully but their hands around my neck. Though done in fun, choking is a fear I hold.

Consider the Lords’ warning about our concerns and priorities. We are in danger of choking the life from his word. “The seeds that fell among thorn bushes stand for those who hear the message; but the worries about this life and the love for riches choke the message, and they don’t bear fruit (Matthew 13:22 TEV).”  The Lord is a fruit inspector. What does he see in my life? Am I bearing the fruit of the Spirit or choking his message of grace?