The title of my presentation denotes a three-pronged subject that relates to the beautiful issues of life. And as most people search for something that will lead them into peace of mind, there are no areas of living that generate a happier mood than the three words of this title. Getting acquainted with all three will give clearer meaning to successful living in this world and the world to come.

Let's review their content. What is so distinctive about roses and why do they command such importance in the issues of life? To the purveyor of these beautiful flowers, there is much to be treasured. After all, they represent love, the quality that is most revered in all scripture. A review of the Bible tells us that the greatest of human qualities is love -- greater than hope and greater than faith. Its importance is expressed in the first and greatest commandment -- to love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart and soul and thy neighbor as thyself. Roses espouse that virtue best of all in floral tributes. It led Congress to proclaim the rose our national flower, mainly because love is associated so closely with these flowers. Sharing them with others is an established act of kindness. Millions are sold each Valentine Day and Mother's Day. Why? Because they best denote love from the sender.

That leads me to the next word in the title - Romance. One may ask: "what does romance have to do with roses?" Just as I have mentioned, there is no more effective way to demonstrate love than to shower the beneficiary with beautiful flowers. Roses are the most effective weapons that Cupid has at his disposal. Many a damsel has surrendered to the hypnotic charm of a bouquet of roses. Even the Bible mentions this super flower. Cleopatra carpeted her bedrooms with petals from these flowers. Napoleon's wife, Empress Josephine, was a great lover of roses and spent countless sums to guarantee their survival. She is credited with saving the specimens that parented the roses we have today. Yes, there is much romanticism connected with roses and this fact just may have ensured their continued existence.

And now to the real issue in our subject -- Religion. As we survey the growing of roses, there is much there that speaks of human behavior. Just how must the person conduct his or her life if happiness and success are achieved? Let us look at the hobby of rose growing in all of its makeup.

First, to grow award-winning roses the grower must establish an abiding love for the plant. No passing fancy -- but a determined desire to love these God-created beauties. And so it is with the person who seeks eternal life. He or she must be wholeheartedly committed to loving God and keeping His commandments.

Secondly, once the decision to grow roses is made, only grade-one plants are to be included in the garden. And so it is with the believer. Once the decision is made to serve the Lord, only the virtues that He espouses are to be found in the agenda. Whatever is pure, whatever is good, and whatever is of good report, only those things should be in our arsenal of habits. Choosing healthy plants initially spells success in rose growing. Choosing righteous conduct results in successful living.

If roses are to reach their pinnacle in beauty, they must be fed regularly with good food. Nutrition ranks at the top in growing good plants. And so it is with the believer, he or she must be fed regularly with spiritual food. Daily Bible reading provides that all-important ingredient in spiritual growth. And then there is prayer. In this exercise we petition the Lord to grant us food for the soul. There is no greater source available to man.

In rose growing there is a need for pruning. The unproductive growth must be eliminated so that which is more vigorous will replace it. This is just a way to help nature perform at its best. And so it is with human conduct. To sinful practices one must utilize the shears that will destroy them. Casting aside worldly folly will ensure a receptive heart to that which is good. Yes, we must prune the bushes when necessary, and we must thrust out the wiles of the devil when harmful temptation is imminent.

There are several other components in successful rose growing but for the sake of brevity I have mentioned only a few. However, I must not fail to list just two additional requirements. These are sunlight and water. Without either of these items, successful rose growing would not happen. And so it is with the believer. Without the light of God's word being a part of daily life, the wiles of Satan will come calling and the darkness of sin will prevail. Be prepared to give your rose garden the light of sun and be ready to give your soul the brilliance of God's inspired word. And then, water your roses frequently when rain is not present and don't forget to moisten your countenance with the scriptures -- the water of life. And remember this lest we boast of our rose growing expertise: only God can grow a rose. For as the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:6 -- "I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase".