But don’t act as if you are better than those branches that were broken off. You have no reason to be proud of yourself, because you don’t give life to the root. The root gives life to you.
Romans 11:18 ERV
How can we ever get enough of the unlimited wisdom of God? The wisdom found in God’s word is like an ever-flowing spring, and our thirst for it should never cease. May we always make room for His wisdom in our hearts, in Jesus’ name. Today, let’s revisit the parable of the sower. Meanwhile, what I would like to draw our attention to is that not all seeds yielded fruit. Similarly, the message of grace has reached many, some responded with repentance and others resisted. Some, like plants not deeply rooted, withered under life’s scorching trials. This reflection serves as a reminder not to regard ourselves as superior to those who have yet to find the light or those who stumbled along the way.
The truth is that, you haven’t saved yourself; there’s no cause for pride. We all desperately need salvation from sin and eternal life, and it’s God who provides. Picture a tree that detaches from its root—no amount of water or fertiliser can revive it. This mirrors the reality of many Christians today, relying on outward religious activities without a genuine connection to the root.
Regrettably, this situation mirrors the reality for many Christians today. They often filled their lives with outward acts – regular church attendance, generous financial contributions, and so on. Meanwhile, it is essential to note that there’s nothing inherently wrong with these actions. However, their true significance and impact are only realised when they originate from a heart that remains deeply connected to the source. It is the root that sustains life, infusing meaning into all the Christian activities that anyone may offer.
You might say, “Branches were broken off so that I could be joined to their tree.” That is true. But those branches were broken off because they did not believe. And you continue to be part of the tree only because you believe. Don’t be proud but be afraid. If God did not let the natural branches of that tree stay, he will not let you stay if you stop believing. So, you see that God is kind, but he can also be very strict. He punishes those who stop following him. But he is kind to you, if you continue trusting in his kindness. If you don’t continue depending on him, you will be cut off from the tree.
Romans 11:19-22 ERV
In conclusion, we should let humility be our guide, recognising that our faith is a gift of grace. We stand not by our own merit but by God’s kindness. As we embrace this humility, we remain rooted, drawing life and meaning from the source—our Creator. Let us never forget that our salvation is a testament to God’s mercy, not our superiority.
