Recently my twin bro went on a walk in South Carolina. This time of year the trees are turning their beautiful autumn colors and the Lord gave him a nudge to go sit under an oak tree. Once he was ‘settled in’, He felt the Lord asking him a direct question. Which is more important for the life of a tree…. the light from heaven or pruning it to help it grow? Knowing both were needed, he was somewhat perplexed. He responded, Lord You are going to have to answer this one, I am at a loss.
The Holy Spirit started to whisper to him some truths about the tree and how it related to today’s church. Pruning a tree is good, but if we prune too much it can actually damage and even kill a tree. The natural sunlight from heaven however is always good for the tree, for all plants from the earth take to the light from heaven…. that is their natural path toward life.
The Spirit was showing him that today’s churches are so geared toward ‘pruning’-they are actually hurting the flock and their testimony. While pruning is beneficial (and Biblical Jn. 15:1-2), without emphasizing the light from heaven, the tree (body of the church) is damaged and in danger of dying. If we emphasize the light or presence of God from heaven however, His glorious joy and love become so great that a little pruning done occasionally will hardly be noticeable. God’s presence and glory from heaven should always have a greater value than regulating dos’ and don’t s within the church. ‘Thirst’ for the presence His from heaven and the body will actually desire to be pruned…it brings in even more light! Let’s never replace ‘activity’ for the touch of God.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.