Trimming a Tall Bush

[Woody]

Recently we decided to trim this tall beautiful bush in the front of our home.

There was a good bit of 'dead wood' mixed in with the good.

In our haste to get that 'dead wood' outta there we failed to think of what the consequences our actions might be.

As it turned out ... what we thought was useless 'dead wood' ... was actually the support of the entire bush. For when we took out what we thought was 'dead wood' ... the entire bush collapsed or wilted.

The spiritual implications of this are enormous. As it turned out ... we had poor judgment as to what was 'dead' and not helpful and what was.

[Gerr]

Ah, yes. Wheat and tares parable!

[Guest]

Trimming a Tall Bush.

[phkrause]

Trimming a Tall Bush.

[phkrause]

Sorry for your loss Woody, I'm guessing its that bush you mentioned in a previous thread a while back?

[aldona]

Recently we decided to trim this tall beautiful bush in the front of our home.

There was a good bit of 'dead wood' mixed in with the good.

In our haste to get that 'dead wood' outta there we failed to think of what the consequences our actions might be.

As it turned out ... what we thought was useless 'dead wood' ... was actually the support of the entire bush. For when we took out what we thought was 'dead wood' ... the entire bush collapsed or wilted.

The spiritual implications of this are enormous. As it turned out ... we had poor judgment as to what was 'dead' and not helpful and what was.

I was trimming a rose bush in my yard not long ago. I noticed that on this particular bush, the "dead wood" dies of its own accord and dries up, leaving a clear division line between live and dead wood. All I have to do is cut it off.

The other thing I noticed is that the "dead wood" is often those branches which had previously been the most prolific in producing fruit/flowers.

Over-achievement followed by exhaustion and burnout? I don't know. Draw whatever lessons you see fit to apply to church life.

AJ