Make like a tree and stay rooted

Scripture often compares Christ-followers to trees. So what can we learn from the trees about how to handle aggression and spiritual attack?

Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. (Philippians 1:28-29)

I love trees and forests.

So it’s ironic that I live in Kansas, where trees are few and far between. Supposedly we have a forest or two, but I’ve never seen them.

Trees are such beautiful parts of Creation, and I am always fascinated how often trees show up in the Bible as images and symbols of the Christian life.

This passage in Philippians doesn’t talk about trees at all, though. But the idea of how a tree handles opposition is clear: They don’t budge.

Granted, that’s only trees with deep roots. In the case when a tree’s roots don’t go far past the surface, they are unsteady and unstable. Any wind can blow them right over.

But trees with deep root systems don’t move very far. Sure, they bend and sway with the winds. They will lose branches often. But they don’t fall down, not if their roots are deep enough.

When someone comes at you, how do you respond? Do you back down? Do you lash out? Or do you just let them rage uselessly because you are confident in your roots?

An enemy will always try to intimidate you. Someone who cares more about your position or status or who sees you as a lesser person will always attempt to undermine your identity. They will seek to take away your value as a person.

And, please remember, that people aren’t our enemies. Now, they can be used by our enemy with various levels of effectiveness. But our enemy isn’t who we often think it is. Sometimes the enemy trying to bring us down is our own sinful nature. And, believe me, your own sinful nature is perfectly capable of intimidating you.

So when your own sin or the accuser himself comes after you, roaring at you and telling you lies so you don’t believe the truth, what do you do? How do you cope?

Well, do what this passage says. Make like a tree and stay rooted.

No, this passage doesn’t say that. But it does say not to let your enemies intimidate you, and you can only do that by making sure your roots are strong. And by roots, I mean the different areas of your life. And the soil where they find purchase is God’s Word.

Every area of your life, your mind, and your heart must be rooted in God’s Word. Every action you make needs to be in line with what God says is true. If you don’t want your enemies to knock you over, root yourself in Scripture. Not just memorizing it, living it. You will find a confidence there that no bully can push around.

People will bluster and flail and shove, but you won’t tip over. If they want to knock you down, they will need to come up with a power stronger than God’s Word (or at least, stronger than your belief in God’s Word).

When you can withstand the threats and low blows of the enemy without flinching, something happens. They may not stop attacking, but they will soon realize that they can’t stop you. And in my experience, most of them come to the decision that you’re not worth the effort. If you refuse to engage with them on their level, they will eventually wander off to find someone who will.

I have always loved how Jesus engaged in conflict with people. Sure, He got sassy with the religious elite, and He certainly got angry at them. But even with the people who made Him angry, He didn’t lash out. He asked questions that revealed the heart of who they were, and He took away their disguises with loving truth.

Nobody likes being attacked. Nobody enjoys being the target of an enemy’s fists, verbal or otherwise. But if you are living like Jesus, holding the line between love and truth, the enemy will come for you. He’ll manipulate people into attacking you. That’s what he did to Jesus too.

And as followers of Jesus, that is our privilege. It is our privilege to be attacked, to be maligned, to be torn down in public forums.

When the day comes that the enemy attacks you (if you follow Jesus, it will come), be as immovable as a tree rooted in God’s Word. But also, understand that being targeted for loving Jesus is an honor. To be so closely identified with Christ that the world hates you? Don’t get mad about that. Celebrate it.

I know, it sounds weird. Backward. It sounds like the opposite thing a thinking human being would do. But isn’t that how following Jesus works anyway?

I don’t want to be attacked. I don’t want to be ridiculed or treated badly. But if I’m going to be, I want it to be because of Jesus.

Love Truth. Love people. Base every element of your life on what God’s Word says. And when Satan’s forces come to knock you down, stand. Trust your roots. And rejoice because you’re one step closer to being like Jesus.

For Deeper Study

• Read Jeremiah 17:7-8. Who are the people this passage compares to trees? What are the benefits of a tree that is planted by a river? How does this apply to a person’s life?

• Read Job 14:7-9. Why does Job say that a tree has hope? How could this picture symbolize a person’s life?

• Read John 15:18-25. Why is this statement Jesus makes so important to helping us understand why the world treats us the way it does? Do you find this comforting or worrying? Why?

For Reflection

• Why do our enemies always seek to undermine our identities?

• How is one way you can grow your roots deeper into God’s Word this week?

• What area of your life are you still holding your own counsel on rather than trusting what God has said about it?

Weekly Memory Verse