Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...you're dead.

bbc.co.uk

I was on the telephone, pacing around the parking lot outside my office.  I walked up to the pine trees that we have in our parking lot and noticed something rather peculiar.  The interior limbs and pines of the trees were dying, while the outside of the tree seemed to be very much alive.  Typically, one would notice that the exterior of the limbs of the trees die away, you cut back the dead part of the plant and watch the tree grow new branches and pines.  It seemed that the reverse was occurring for this particular tree and I could not understand it all.  And to be honest, I know exactly nothing about trees and I still have no idea as to how this could happen.  My only guess is that the interior of the tree is not as likely to be exposed to sunlight, minimizing its opportunities to conduct photosynthesis, causing the tree to lose some of its color and vitality.  Then again, I am certainly not an expert on trees.  (If anyone has expertise, feel free to enlighten me.)

Nevertheless, I thought that the tree did a very good job at demonstrating the hearts and lives of many believers today.  We all seem to do very well at portraying to the world that we are doing "fine."  The "limbs and pines" visible to outsiders are generally shown to be wonderful, alive, full of color, healthy and at peace.  We are cool, calm, collected and ready to serve.  Yet, one look at the inside of our hearts and we would see that these outside actions are fabrications designed to deceive onlookers into thinking we are spiritually healthy trees.  In all actuality, we may be dying from the inside out.

Not a very positive message, I know.  Yet, the truth is not always fun and clever.  Sometimes, it just hurts.  I believe that we all put on a show in one way or another.  To a point, it may be a good thing that we do.  We do not want to walk around with deep, gaping wounds of our hearts dangling on our sleeves.  And it is probably best that we do not post a sticky-note on our foreheads with our deepest fear or insecurity.  There are things that are meant to be shared with just the Lord, with accountability partners, and so on.  Nevertheless, we must ensure that our faith and our walk with God is not a show for the audience of our church or community group.  If we are functioning out of emotional or spiritual death or immaturity, it is only a matter of time before our exterior reflects our interior.

I assume it's only a matter of time before that tree in our parking lot dies as well.  Then again, I admit that I do not have the foggiest about trees and could therefore be totally inaccurate.  Still, God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6 NIV).  Experience truth in your innermost being and your walk will reflect your emotional health and spiritual depth.  True story.