Our neighbor’s large tree branches were hanging over into our yard so
this spring we did some serious tree trimming. A few of the limbs had to be cut
off from the main trunk and were well over a foot in diameter. Not wanting to
miss an educational opportunity we let the grandkids count the rings on the
stump, showing that the trees were well over 40 years old. We pointed out the
growth pattern of wider rings indicate a good water cycle for that year. I’m
wondering if sometime the Lord cuts into my heart just to check out my
spiritual growth pattern.
1 comment:
Gail;
-----The growth patterns of your neighbor’s tree are wired into its DNA. It isn’t like the DNA maps out what years the tree will grow much and which years it will grow little. It’s like the DNA maps how the tree’s life processes will be allocated between making more tree or just hunkering down into survival mode according to the environment’s quality from season to season. The tree has no self-awareness beyond the complexities of its molecular mechanics.
-----Of course, our bodies have similar DNA mappings controlling a more complex set of molecular mechanics also responding to environmental conditions. Moreover, the environment to which our life processes react is far more extensive than the tree’s. We have not only a great self-awareness, but a good awareness of our physical environment (including other people and their ideas) and a decent awareness of our spiritual environment, too. These three aspects of awareness process the development or mere survival of our consciousness. Then, our own consciousness become part of the total environment causing effect upon the body’s molecular mechanics. “A tranquil mind gives life to the flesh, but passion makes the bones rot.” (Prov 14:30) Some twenty-nine hundred years after that was posited, research now shows DNA is damaged by psychological stress, and it has discovered definite epigenetic effects produced by stress. Mental condition greatly effects physical condition.
-----Spiritual condition greatly effects mental condition. On one side of our being there is either a connection or disconnection with God - either an indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or not. One or the other maps the mind’s development through chosen engagements and disengagements with its environment. But spirituality can be had regardless of disconnection with God. Therefore tranquility, good health, and sociable character can be enjoyed in this world without God. The mental growth patterns of spirituality can be deceiving.
-----“I do not pray that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy Word is truth. As Thou didst send Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate Myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.” (John 17:15-19) The difference between the two spiritual maps is less about behavioral routes and more about direction of progress. The map from the indwelling Holy Spirit directs a progression into truth. The other map directs a progression into randomness at best, and more usually into self-deceit.
-----Anyone can know the growth patterns of trees. They all look the same. So do spiritual growth patterns. But those patterns from the Holy Spirit can only be known in the light of His Word by folks having the Holy Spirit, because they are patterns about truth. And truth does not emerge from the world.
Love you all,
Steve Corey
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