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.