How's Your Root System?

10/28/08

Last week I went to Indiana to spend time with family. What a wonderful blessing it was. It was a time of refreshing, of growing closer to God and each other.

On Sabbath we went for a walk. The weather was cold and windy, but the brisk walk kept us warm. As we walked, I noticed the trees. The trees were of the same type, all standing in a row side by side along the street, and yet they were in different stages of color. Some were bare; some had brown, dead leaves still clinging to the branches; some were on fire with hues of bright red and yellow; still others were lush and green, seemingly unaffected by the season's first waves of frost. I began to ponder this curious fact. Why would these trees be so different? I've not studied such things with any depth, so I don't know if my musings were scientifically accurate. I do know they made sense to me in a way that brought home a spiritual lesson to my heart, so I want to share it with you.

Indiana was very dry this summer. The rain was scarce and vegetation suffered. Is it possible that the difference in the trees' foliage has something to do with the root systems? Perhaps some trees have shallow roots that run along near the surface hoping to soak up the dew and moisture that is easier to reach. They would have gotten just enough moisture to keep them alive and perhaps they withered and dried before fall. Some leaves were able to hang on longer but their nutrient-deficient leaves quickly changed colors, clung briefly to their position, then floated away to join their friends on the ground as soon as the season's first touch of frost and wind settled upon them. Other trees may have listened to their Creator's instruction and heeded the warning that surface moisture would not be enough to sustain them. They sunk there roots deep into the soil, seeking the rich deposits of water and nutrition stored in it depths. It must have taken real effort for them to constantly put energy into growing that root system, everyday extending their roots further and deeper in search of life sustaining nourishment. Still, other trees will never turn, they will remain green through the harshness of freezing rain, snow, wind, and ice. I guess that's why they are called "evergreens."

As I ponder these things, I ask myself: "Is it enough to be a tree in the garden of God, or is my root system important? Does the color of my leaves, or the fruit on my branches make a difference? What is my root system like, and how will it effect me when the blizzard hits? Will I change colors, will my leaves fall, exposing my barren limbs?"

Scripture warns that the day will come when false teachers and false doctrines will be common . Christ tells us that there will come false prophets and false Christ’s that would, if possible, deceive the very elect. (Matt. 24:11-24) We are admonished to "Study to shew thyself approved." (2 Timothy 2:15) and to "Prove all things", "Line upon line... precept upon precept" (1 Thess. 5: 21; Isaiah 28: 10-13.) 2 Timothy 4:3 warns that "The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine." And Christ makes a solemn statement in Matt. 15:9, saying "But in vain do they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." I am beginning to wake up to the fact that I can not believe things just because preachers, teachers, scientists or friends tell me they are so. "There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Prov. 16:25)

Scripture gives us a safeguard against these deceptions. It says, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20 and God ‘s servant David gives some great insight into how we can remain safe through the rising tide of lies circulating in our world. He says, "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." (Ps. 119:11) We are promised that "If any man will do His will, he shall know the doctrine." (Jn. 7:17 ) And Jesus gives us the wonderful promise, "The comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance..." (Jn. 14:26)

Throughout the Holy Scriptures we are given promises that God will guide us into truth, that He will give us wisdom, that we can do all things through Christ. We are not left alone to flounder and be tossed about by the storms of falsehoods in our world today. BUT we must not remain surface feeders. We must sink our roots deep into the Word of God, earnestly seeking His will with a heart that is willing to hear and to do what He reveals.

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom." "He shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." (Proverbs 3:13; Jeremiah 17:8)

My prayer is that each of us can say with the Psalmist, "Thy testimonies are my meditation." and "Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way." (Ps. 119:99, 104)

Bonnie Morsette ~ 10/28/08