Lessons from a Tree

You should branch out…

After 14 weeks of turning 180º against human nature, I felt I should branch out. So (literally) Lessons from a Tree was born. First off, summer has arrived! School is out and camp starts this weekend. If you’re willing to pray for me, I’d love your support! Today’s post is also the cornerstone for my upcoming summer series.

Just by looking at a tree, you may not think much of it. But there is a great deal we can learn from these wood and leaf creations. After all, they outnumber us 370-1. While I am by no means a tree expert, I believe there are parallels between a good, strong tree…and a good, strong Christian.

As King David said in Psalm 1:1-3, “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

Let’s dive into five parallels…

1. Trees have deep roots.

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower. Of the four soils on which the farmer scattered seed, only one produced a crop. The other three lacked deep roots. The seed either fell on a footpath, in rocky soil, or among thorns. None of these offer opportunities for growth.

Without deep roots, we become like the seed in the parable: blown, tossed, and choked out by doubt or pressure. Like a real tree, we need deep roots to withstand life’s storms. Deeper roots also bring in more water and nutrients.

Personally, nothing helps my roots grow more than diving into Scripture and prayer. Even though it means getting up an hour earlier than I need to, God’s Word energizes me more than sleep ever will. Another way I love to grow my roots is via church. A lone tree can be strong, but a forest of trees with intertwining roots is even stronger.

Trees with deep roots (Scripture, prayer, community) can stand against the storms and winds of life.

2. Trees hold stuff together.

Yes, I know – that’s very technical. In all honesty though, trees keep our soil from washing away. Without trees and their strong roots, our fertile soil would erode. Plants and crops would be unable to grow and greenhouse gases would increase. A good Christian should also hold people together.

When you think of that person in your life who’s your “rock” or “glue”, that’s what I mean. In a chaotic world, Christians can stand out by holding firm and being “the salt and light of the earth” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Trees hold everything together, even when it’s challenging.

3. Trees clean the atmosphere.

Trees not only absorb carbon dioxide and limit global warming, but they also filter out junk that humans shouldn’t breathe. Trees are equipped with a built-in air filter and purifier.

Christians also have this tree-like power. If we hear gossip or see others picking on someone, we have the power to “purify”. We can squash the rumour and we can stand up for what’s right. We have the power to purify the atmosphere around us.

There comes a day when we must share Jesus’ hope with others, but before we can do that, we must live a life worthy of emulation. Christians are called to be encouraging, uplifting, and always seeking the best interests of others. Whether that’s redirecting an unclean joke or saying a kind word to someone who’s down, we can share the love of Jesus.

Trees take the negative and purify it into the positive.

4. Trees offer shelter.

Trees are a source of protection. Trees offer shelter, rest, and shade. Psalm 61:3 (NLT) says, “For you [God] are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” I know Christians and the church aren’t perfect, but Jesus asks for our best effort. When people are broken, hurting, or in need, the church needs to be there.

I love knowing that when I’m in need I can turn to someone. First off, God. Second off, my parents. Third off, my family. Fourth off, my church. But I know of people who don’t have this kind of community. As a Christian, I want to be someone others search for when they need help. I want to be the guy you can trust when you’re in need.

Ultimately, I strive to point people back to God. I love helping people because it reflects (to a small degree) how much Jesus has helped me. We have this gift built-in as Christians. Romans 12:13 (NLT) sums this up by saying, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

Trees offer shelter and protection to those in need.

5. Trees bear fruit.

If I’m not growing and bearing fruit in my walk for Christ, I can hardly call myself a Christian. My endgame is to know Jesus better and better. Just like some trees produce edible fruit, the life of a Christian also bears fruit. And what better fruit is there than the Fruit of the Spirit?

New Series: Fruit at Camp

I’d love to continue with this point, but that’s why I have a summer series. While at camp in July and August, I’ll see the Fruit of the Spirit firsthand. But this year I’m doing more than just seeing God at work. I also want to write about God at work. Lord willing, every Friday this summer I’ll explore one Fruit (of the Spirit, not the edible kind) at camp. And I promise to include some good stories too.

Turns out there are nine Fridays in July/August, and there are nine Fruits of the Spirit…so it seems God put me onto something. However, because I’m gone at camp, The WLF Podcast is now on hiatus until Fall. To those who have been listening, thank you for sticking with me as I explored the world of podcasting.

Next Friday marks the start of my summer “Fruit at Camp” series, and I hope you’re excited about it! If you have any thoughts or comments, please tell me. Until then, like a tree, let’s strengthen others and bear Kingdom fruit!

To quote Luke 6:43 (NLT)…

“A tree is identified by its fruit.”