The Tree Line
Before his downfall a man’s
heart is proud, but humility
comes before honor. Prov. 18:12, NIV. |
I’ve discovered
in my years of exercising that a battle rages within my body—a contest
between strength and flexibility, two goals that almost seem opposed to
each other. I want to be strong, so I usually concentrate on strengthening
activities (lifting weights, jogging, push-ups, etc.), which leave my muscles
tight and rigid. But I know that I need to stay limber as well. If I neglect
my stretching routine, I could easily pull a tight muscle at the wrong
time.
As I hike the majestic peaks
of the Sierra Nevadas, I’m reminded of the importance of flexibility. As
the elevation of the mountain increases, trees begin to disappear, until
at about 10,000 feet they cease to grow at all. This transition point is
called the tree line. Near the tree line you often see a few twisted and
misshapen trees, permanently bent by the relentless winds. Above the tree
line even the mighty oak cannot survive the punishing winds and poor soil.
At high altitude the barren and rocky terrain seems almost devoid of life.
Almost—but not quite.
Look down low, and you will
see the soft and supple willow clinging to the rocks, flourishing to a
height of no more than six inches. While the mighty winds will crack and
break the beefy oak at the craggy peaks, the lowly willow bends, and the
wind passes on through.
It is as if God has placed
before us a great visual lesson to remind us that the lofty heights of
human existence are no place for the proud and haughty. Here only the lowly
and humble will survive. God certainly does not discourage ambition and
aspiration. Joseph and Daniel both showed great wisdom in the high-pressure,
high-profile arena of world politics. But we dare not walk those heights
alone, or like the mighty oak, we will be swept off the mountain.
So in my training routine
I aim to be as strong as an oak but as supple as a willow. In this way
I may also learn to stand for principle against the raging winds of temptation,
but yield to my heavenly Father’s will in modesty and humility.
| Lord, may I stand for principle and
be modest and humble as I scale the heights of possibility within Your
will. Amen. |
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