“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3
It’s that time of year again and I have a war on my hands! Years ago we planted Florida Pitch Apple, or Autograph Tree. Because of HOA rules, we cannot have a fence between houses. But this plant does the job! TOO well! Capable of growing up to 40’ tall, I have to trim it back every year to keep it in check. So far this year, I have filled 20 cans and am not quite half done. But THAT is NOT the war!
When this tree is full and green, it is BEAUTIFUL. As you can see by the picture, it isn’t anymore! And THAT’S a problem for Katie! Ever since I started cutting it back, she has grumbled like I was cutting off her toe! To make matters worse, we have been watching a TV series where the husband did the same thing to THEIR trees, and the wife won’t stop grumping! To make matters worse, THEIR trees haven’t grown back YET!
I’m getting older and the base of these trees is getting bigger. It takes more work, time and a higher ladder each year to do the job. And I’m gonna tame these trees if it KILLS me! Because it just may! But before anyone thinks negatively of my wife, its a fact that MOST women hate tree trimming. When it comes to trimming and pruning away the overgrowth of our flesh, most men do too!
There are overgrowths in my life that need to go! Big, bushy things that look attractive and beautiful to me. But are noting but ‘work suckers!’ They take time and energy away from my TRUE spiritual life and rob me of GENUINE joy. And while ‘I’ may like these big shady things, Jesus does not! And when Jesus doesn’t like something, His Father doesn’t either! Soon, the Holy Spirit will be sent with a VERY BIG SAW!
Cutting back, pruning and taming overgrowth is ALWAYS painful. But as The Bible says, it is NECESSARY! A good soldier cannot run in battle carrying 100 pound backpacks! And while my Army Ranger friend may argue, it’s a FACT they can’t run far or long! My flesh LOVES a good time. If given a choice, it would STAY on vacation! God makes sure it doesn’t HAVE a choice, since He’s in the business of growing saints. Not trees!
Spirit is opposed to Flesh and Flesh to the Spirit. God uses MANY tools to get rid of the pretty…but unnecessary! And no matter HOW much I may scream, He won’t stop. Because, as I have learned, when in HIS hands, PRETTY becomes MUCH more BEAUTIFUL. And He loves me FAR too much to let me just root and shoot!
What is God cutting away in YOUR life?
