“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving…” Colossians 2:6-7
Last month a giant tree, strong-stout and regal, fell behind our backyard. We were very fortunate that it fell away from our property, the garage and family investment known as our ugly rolling turd (the RV). It appears that the cause of death of this might oak was soil erosion. Weeks leading up to its demise, we had a seven day span of unending rain. As it continued to rain, flooding occurred which led to the weakening of this mighty tree’s root system…there was simply nothing to hold onto anymore. With a sudden thud, the tree fell and that wonderful shady spot where Moms and Dads came to watch their children play soccer, became the grave of something that had once been so mighty and tall.
I am sure we will miss that tree this summer, when the sweltering heat cascades in waves around that High School Soccer field. We will miss the chirping birds who nested there and have now been displaced. The tree removal service has since come and gone, chopping that once majestic oak into fire wood and mulch, all because its roots couldn’t find anything to hold onto any longer.
This real-life tale reminded me of how easy it is for mighty oak trees to fall…and for the holiest of believers as well. We are all susceptible to the trappings of sin, and many a tear has been shed for a saint who has fallen from grace. The names, at times seem to be many…and it causes a wave of exhaled breath when each one falls. Like a punch to the gut, we feel our hearts sink as the shock of it all can be felt like the sudden thud of a felled two ton oak.
It can be very tempting to think of this “root” problem as someone else’s burden to carry, but the very real threat is all around us. We cannot pity the fallen saint while we look from afar thinking that this could never happen to me. Beware of this trap dear friends!
Pay attention to the soil in which you sink your roots. Make sure they go down deep into the dark, rich soil of Christ himself. Because there will be rainy days again…there could also be floods that come and attempt to uproot you. Be mindful that what is done in secret is known to God, and that He longs for your integrity and honesty just as much as the world around you is clambering for truth.
I will miss that great oak, but I also am more sober; I am more consciously aware of the soil that my roots are currently in…and I long for them to become more profoundly rooted in the Holiness of Christ. How are your roots today?
-Just a thought.
Pastor's Ponderings 
When events like this happen, a significant illustration can always be found, and this is an excellent one. Breathtaking indeed when a mighty oak is toppled, whether literally in nature, or figuratively as one thought to be spiritually rock solid, and deeply rooted. We’ve all witnessed it. Another truth comes in reading this article: We’ve been through periods of drought from time to time in places where we lived. The ground becomes parched; the grass dead and brittle. Miraculously, mature trees stretch forth their limbs to provide shade. And their leaves are healthy and supple because roots go deep to sources of water and keep them refreshed. I can leave this right here . . this truth is also abundantly clear.
Wow, great observation Art! I appreciate your insight!!
Thank you for this timely reminder.
Thank you, comrade! We can never be reminded too much of this advice.