The Tree of Life

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil… happy is the man that finds wisdom… she is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her (Proverbs 3:7-18).

Only God can make a tree. He made many in His Garden of Eden. And they were all good. There are two trees of which are most significant. Both were located smack dab in the middle of the garden. One was good for food, The Tree of Life, and one was not, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

We know the age-old story. Adam and Eve chose to eat of the tree of which God said, “do not eat.” When God says “do not” do something then don’t do it! In God’s vocabulary the word no is a holy word and when He uses it, He does it with our welfare in mind. Yes, is also a holy word and every one of His promises are “yes and amen” to us.

If you know Jesus, the Tree of Life is smack dab in the middle of your heart, God’s garden. The Holy Spirit is that tree and all of His fruit is good to eat. As you commune with Jesus you will know Him and recognize His voice. You will follow Him and obey His instructions even if they do not make sense to your human nature. You will have to conqueror the urge to trust your own understanding. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is also in the middle of your heart but you must not eat of it. You do so when you are wise in your own eyes shutting out the voice of God and His way of doing things.

Having the knowledge of good and evil is meant to serve you. Do not make it your Master because it will lead you down a destructive path. Though you have such knowledge it should not direct your steps. In this world evil is called good and good is called evil. The earth is full of both and only the Lord’s wisdom can see you safely home.