But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – James 1:22

These two trees are identical in almost every way.  They are planted only a few feet apart, have the same amount of sun and water, are the same age, same species and are planted in the same awful soil.  Yet one is full and green in the heat of summer and the other is withered and mostly brown.  During the spring, there is no discernible difference in the trees.  So, what is going on with them?  To be honest, I have no idea.  But I see two lessons for the Christian in these two trees.

First, we should understand that we can’t reliably tell what is going on inside a person’s life.  The person may appear to be thriving in every area of life yet be on the brink of withering away.  As Christian family we need to be open with our brothers and sisters about our struggles before the leaves fall off.  Even lush trees encounter drought and disease.

Second, we should take care to always be cultivating our spiritual health through the spiritual disciplines in our lives.  Time in prayer and Bible study plus active engagement in worship and a ministry of the church triggers growth in the roots that sustain us in Christ.  When inevitable crisis comes into our lives, we need all our spiritual strength to overcome.

If your spiritual leaves are falling, please ask for help from your brothers and sisters or the elders directly.  I don’t care very much what happens to that tree, but the value of your soul is the blood of Jesus.  Daryl, Billy and I love every member at Summit and will help you anytime.