by Cindy Phillips
We picked up a couple of bare-root semi-dwarf apple trees the other day. As I planted them I thought of the spiritual truths reflected in God’s creation.
The first thing to note is bare-root trees need to be planted right away. The tree will die if not planted. The spiritual truth here is a Christian that is not “planted” in a local assembly will not flourish as they should. Fellowship with other believers is necessary for our growth (Hebrews 10:25). In the parable of the seed/sower, we see the enemy tries to take the seed (God’s Word) before it can be planted (see Matt 13:3-8).
The next thing I noticed was the type of ground I was planting in. Young trees need good, strong soil to allow for good root growth. I equated soil to the tree’s foundation. Our foundation is critical for us to grow as well. When our foundation is the Scriptures, the living Word, Jesus, we have the foundation we can grow strong on. 1 Cor 3:11
The placement of the tree is also key. Apple trees need full sun to encourage full foliage. We need the Son in order to fully branch out. In Him we live and dwell and have our being (Acts 17:28). Jesus is the light (John 8:12).
The last truth I want to share about these young apple trees is pruning to focus good growth. If you let an apple tree grow untended, it will have lots of leaves but little fruit. Pruning encourages fruit development. The same is true of our Spiritual fruitfulness. Pruning for a Christian means removing the things that take away (distract us from) from bearing fruit for the Lord. John 15:1-2 clearly illustrates this truth; Jesus said “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He lifts up; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.“
Let’s stay planted in good ground under the True Light as we submit to the Master Gardener’s pruning and bear much fruit!