The Trunk: Our Testimony of God's Work In Us

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

Did you know that Paul mentions standing firm at least twelve times in his epistles to the early churches? What better example of standing firm than that of a tree? Now that we have talked about the root issues that we face... let's look at the trunk!

The trunk is the outward assurance of what's happening under the ground. When the roots grow... the trunk is also widening and becoming stronger. In the same way, a Christian's outward influence should become stronger and more sturdy (more noticeable, if you will), as he or she continues to root themselves in the rich soil of the Scriptures.
We need to become a noticeable figure on the landscape of morality, today. There are so many "scrub-brush" type people out there... the type who lack depth and leech the soil of nutrients, but do not provide any sustenance for others. Their goal is one and the same, to hoard for themselves all that the earth might offer them. There is no return or thanksgiving for what they've received.
A strong, sturdy tree, however, gives shade and yields its fruit to those who would pass by. Let's look at the call, through our actions, of a Christian... as portrayed by a tree. "Come, rest in the Shadow of the Almighty, Who lives inside of me. I am but a mirror of the peace and rest that He gives to those who trust in Him! So rest... lay down your burdens and be revived! Here! Taste the fruits of a life lived for Christ! The fruit that is produced here is good. It satisfies and does not leave you desiring other things."

The Tree of Life, which is Christ, is a strong and mighty tree! He provides His shade, which protects us from the scorching and withering heat of the sun. His fruit is more satisfying than any other food! When you taste of the "Bread of Life" He has said that we will not hunger again! Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of our every need and desire.

Does this mean that we will be invincible against the cries of the flesh? No! As I have admitted to you, the things of this world will still weigh heavily against you. However, you will always end up without complete satisfaction, anytime you eat of the fruits of this world. What the world has to offer only satisfies for the moment, but Christ is the ever-satisfying sustenance that we need.

Back to the issues of the trunk! (I am King of rabbit trails!) A good, broad trunk defies the storms of life. The mighty oak is a symbol of strength, fortitude and unshaken character. Such should be the influence of the Christian... at work, at school, at home, at our friends house.... the list goes on and on! Our neighbors ought to see our "trunk" of faith and have no doubt about its sturdiness. Such should our witness be, that all who would see our countenance in the face of adversity would marvel at the confidence which we display.
Okay... that was kinda wordy... let me rephrase that in everyday-speak! Our lives should show a confidence in God that is so great that, even in times of hardship, we do not falter in our walk... The result of this being that others would wonder what makes us so strong.

Let us strive to have trunks that do not bend in the winds of adversity, but that stand strong in the face of the most punishing persecutions that we might face. Friends! Be trees that boast greatly of God's glory and power in your lives! Remember... the oak itself comes from a tiny acorn, which is easily crushed under foot. It is only by the will and direction of God that it rises to its fullest potential! So are we, as the beloved children of God! He has chosen us, His acorns, to rise as mighty monuments and testimonies of His power in our lives! Do not presume that this is a feat that we might accomplish aside from the grace and allowance of an all-powerful Creator. We are testimonies of His work... we must not seek our own glory in any of these things. For, just as easily as God allows us to rise, He can topple the mightiest of trees with but a word from His lips!

Friends, live to the glory of God! This is my only command, my only plea! I say this as one who is also having to, daily, sacrifice my idols before the King of Glory!

Grace and Peace!

Questions or Comments? E-mail me at afflquestions@yahoo.com .