Be Like A Tree

Recently I spoke about Palm Tree Christians. 
(Did you know that in the Bible there are 42 different kinds of trees that are used as a symbol of Christian life?)  

Can you imagine living in a community where there weren't any trees?  In storms there would be little protection and there certainly wouldn't be much beauty.  Trees are a blessing!  They provide protection and thankfully they provide beauty.
Can you also imagine what a community would be like if there weren't any Christian men and women or  Christian young people (young saplings)?

                                                                       

Scripture:  (King James Version) 
Psalm 1:1-3
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

How can you be like a tree?

The Roots
The roots of a tree must be firmly planted and deeply rooted.
Once planted and rooted, the roots need nourishment (the Word of God), stability and they must be unseen. (unseen power of the Holy Spirit.)

The Trunk
The trunk of the tree is the avenue or channel through which the sap, water and minerals are carried to the branches.  The Holy Spirit works through channels.  Our lives are to be channels.

The trunk has to grow in diameter to support spreading branches.
We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.  Palm trees for example, grow from the inside-out.  Our hearts have to be devoted to God before we can manifest the Glory of God.

The trunk of the tree is also useful after it is cut down.  Not only is our life supposed to influence others while we are alive but our life is also to be an influence after we are gone.  What kind of testimony will you leave behind?

The Branches
Branches of a tree provide shade - protection and comfort.
These three elements of the branches on a tree speak about our influence and a life that is reaching out to others.
Branches on a tree also give out oxygen.

Oxygen speaks of life.                                                                    
A productive life produces fruit.  Galatians 5: 22-23
*Love  *Longsuffering  *Faith  *Joy  **Gentleness  *Meekness  *Peace  *Goodness  *Temperance



A powerful story goes......

 

                                                                       
"The boy flung himself down under a tree.  A bitter, angry scowl was on his face and dark despair in his heart.  He'd give up!  No use trying!  Never did have a good chance, and now.......  Almost unconsciously he reached for the blossom which had brushed his cheek.  He saw the lovely symmetry of the petals, fashioned in green and gold.  Gradually the scowl gave way to a smile.  He breathed deeply and the fragrance of the flower dispelled his black despair.  He realized the beauty of the spring day and the big tree seemed to give him companionship.  His eyes traveled up the sturdy trunk and then he saw a scar left by a broken limb.
"If you can take it, old storm-broken tree, I guess I can too," he said.  He arose to his feet and stood with hand on the tree and eyes turned up to where leaves and blossoms grew in spite of its loss.  His faith returned, and he whispered, "Like a tree!  Lord, help me to be like a tree."  The boy went on his way like a man who faces life, rejoicing in the strength to bear disappointments and to overcome obstacles."