Been thinking lately through various issues of ministry. One analogy comes from a tree that fell down in our church yard. The tree has probably been 20-30 years old or even older judging from the diameter of the trunk. But after a recent storm, it was blown over revealing a hollow interior. In the span of years or even decades the rotting on the inside of the tree weakened it so much that it would not be able to withstand a wind storm and was uprooted.
From the outside, the tree looked fine. It was still growing, the roots were still getting nutrients, but the decay on the inside of the tree was hidden from view. It was only after a mighty storm did it reveal the true nature of the tree.
And so it is with the Christian life and even ministry. Sin, no matter how small, if not dealt with immediately, will continue to linger and linger, creating a cancer that when fully grown will be destructive. Bitterness, unforgiveness, secret lusts, love of money, infidelity, etc… all start off as small sins. In the end, though, is always death. If not dealt with, these small roots will grow into something so destructive, that nothing can stop, except the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
So a lesson from the rotting, hollow tree. The tree not only died, when it fell down, it broke down on the neighboring property and even damaged other things. Sin is not just a personal issue, it has repercussions that will affect many around.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. By all this we are encouraged. – 2 Cor. 7:10-13
but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. – James 1:14-15
