Be Like The Trees

Trees never stop growing. Have you ever thought about that? As long as a tree is alive, it is growing. The moment a tree stops growing is the moment it dies.

Perhaps we can learn from God's creation of trees. Paul says in Colossians 2:6-7, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Think about those words: rooted, built up, and established. All of them portray health and vitality.

And just as trees never stop growing, so Christians are to be like trees in their faith. We are to be rooted in Christ, having anchors that go deep into the soil, withstanding the fiercest storms. We are to be built up in Christ as the roots of our soul soak up the nutrients of God's living and active word. And we are to be established in the faith, mature in doctrine, not swayed by every human scheme and cunningness.

And this is a lifelong process. Our roots are to be constantly growing and branching off into the word, learning more of Christ every day as we "walk in Him". As we do so, the trees of our lives produce fruit. And the fruit is thanksgiving. It is a fruit which others can reach and grab hold of to see and savor the goodness of Jesus.  The more we walk in Him, the more rooted and established we become, the more our lives will benefit those around us as we give life-giving, gospel fruit.

So friend, make it your aim to be like a tree, and never stop growing in Christ. Paul says you received Him, but don't stop at salvation. Go deep into sanctification.

May the Lord be gracious to you today!

~ Pastor Alexander