Monday, August 15, 2011

Get Rid of the Root!

'Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.'  Romans 8:5The tree you see here is a Chinaberry tree.  We have been the proud owners of three such trees on our property since we've lived here.  We still have two, one was not so lucky.  The tree stood right outside our back door.  It looked pretty and strong on the outside, even provided some much needed shade on those sweltering SC summer days.  The problem with the tree was it started to grow out of control.  The branches were so long they draped across a power line going to our outside light (this is a big light put in by the power company-when you live in the sticks you want to put your house under the spotlight in hopes of deterring robbers).  I'm sure you can imagine what happened....big storm comes through and said branches fall onto the power line pulling the light sideways.  It didn't fall, but the power company had to come out, remove some branches, and replace the power pole.




The hubby tried to cut off some of the bigger branches, but that's a whole story in itself.  The decision was made to just cut down the tree.  A few guys came and helped the hubby and my shade tree was gone for good.  Or so I thought.  Just this week, we've noticed little Chinaberry trees popping up in the backyard.  The hubby tries to dig them up today and what do you know?  The roots of the Chinaberry tree are still there!  These things are HUGE and there are little trees growing out of them!

How like the Chinaberry tree we are.  We cut off our tree (our flesh, pride, jealousy, fear, etc.) thinking we've gotten rid of it for good.  We go about our business believing all is well, but then the tree starts to rear it's ugly head again.  The fear we thought we'd conquered slips back up.  The issue of jealously we were sure we were over comes back with a vengeance.  It's then we realize we've got to chop down our tree and remove the roots as well.  The root is what feeds the tree, where the nourishment comes from, what gives it life.  To completely remove a flesh pattern in our life, we have to get to the root of the pattern.  We can only do this with the help of God.  It's nearly impossible to get to the root of our tree without His guidance and help.

If you've got a tree in your life you need to get rid of, seek the assistance of your Holy Father.  He is ready and willing to help you get to the root of it when you ask.







8 comments:

Eileen said...

Amen! Cutting down the tree just gives the illusion that the problem has been dealt with. We need to get to the roots.

Jenifer Metzger said...

Love this analogy! So true! We must get to the root and cut it out. Great encouragement!

Anonymous said...

Love this.

Anonymous said...

Hi Allison - excellent excellent post. I was reading about the tree and it dawned on me, the cutting is not enough, get the root out. (see me slapping forehead!)
God bless
Tracy

Unknown said...

Love this analogy, Allison. I don't want to leave any roots behind.

Phather Phil Malmstrom said...

Wonderful analogy Allison! We all tend to hold on to "hidden" roots of our brokenness and sin, but with God's help we can dig up those deep vines and remove them from our spirits for good!

Have a Blessed Day!

Ken said...

Great analogy Allison. We must keep doing battle with them roots, keeping them from sprouting or else they will.
Blessings,
Ken

oodlesofgrace said...

Love this post. Just what I needed to hear this morning. It validated my blog that I just posted . . . same bottom line, just a different analogy. Can't wait to read more from you.