“I just need a strong friend to hold me up for bit,” said Wispy Little Vine. “Look at me. I’m so weak and small. I promise not to be any trouble.”

“What could be the harm in that?” said Young Sapling to himself.

So Wispy Little Vine sent a tender shoot around Young Sapling. Around and around went the wee little shoot. But no harm became of it because he was so teensy. And it all made Young Sapling feel quite strapping and hearty.

But after a while Wispy Little Vine began to grow. And grow. And before long he thought to flex his muscles. And squeeze Young Sapling. Harder and harder. Tighter and tighter.

You see, Wispy Little Vine didn’t have to concern himself with standing tall or holding fast against the storms. Let Young Sapling worry about that! Wispy Little Vine would put all his energy and resources into growing fast and long… and round and round Young Sapling.

One day Young Sapling realized he could hardly breathe. Or reach for the heavens. Or grow wide. You see, Wispy Little Vine had become Strangling Choking Vine.

The future for Young Sapling was no longer bright and promising. Indeed, it was dismal at best. Truth be told, he would not be long for this world.

Why on earth did he ever believe Wispy Little Vine? If only he’d said “No!” like the old wise trees warned him.

Then the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. (Mark 4:19)