Not everything is what it seems
Job 20:5
“The
mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.”
We
used to have a Chinese tallow tree in our front yard. It was about the
only tree in our yard, or in the woods on our property, that produced color in
the fall. It is an attractive tree, and a fast growing tree, so a person can
plant one and reasonably expect it to produce shade in a short amount of
time. Vicki was particularly fond of the tree and I have to admit, it
looked great in her front yard landscape design. Oh, but there is
something else I probably ought to share . . . an article in a local paper
said: “The tallow is one of the nastiest exotic species in the
area . . . the rate of growth with these trees is outrageous.” Now that
is another way of looking at “it will produce shade in a short amount of
time!” A biologist from Eglin AFB then added: “When the Chinese tallow gets
established it out-competes the native plants which ultimately effects
wildlife. We consider it biological pollution and a major threat to
Eglin’s eco-system.” The article goes on to explain that the roots of the
tallow secrete a toxin that eliminates native species.
Isn’t it amazing that something attractive and seemingly helpful can, at the same time, be so destructive? My friend, that is how sin works. It looks attractive and pleasurable but it has toxins in its roots. When we allow it to grow it crowds out the things that are truly helpful and will, eventually, take over; its nature is to poison everything around it.
The article recommended a chain saw and some herbicide as a remedy. I guess the spiritual solution is the same: cut it out and take measures to see that it doesn’t grow back.
But don’t forget; God is an ever-present help! Praise Him for His faithfulness and trust Him for His power to save!
Pastor Keith Andrews