In the natural world, a young sapling bends easily. Whether from the push of the wind, the weight of heavy rains, or the interference of man, its tender frame is flexible, able to be shaped or reshaped. But if left unattended, a young tree that leans off course will, in time, harden into that bent shape. Once it matures, its wood toughens; its course is set. Straightening it then becomes a laborious — often impossible — task.
This image mirrors the spiritual journey of the Christian. In youth — whether in physical age or in the early stages of faith — the heart is tender, more receptive to correction, guidance, and discipline. As Proverbs 22:6 counsels,
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This is not simply advice for parenting, but a universal truth: formation happens early, and it lasts.
Jesus emphasized the value of a childlike heart, saying in Matthew 18:3-4:
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Humility — the willing openness to be taught, corrected, and led — is crucial. A humble heart remains soft in the hands of the Master, able to be guided, pruned, and shaped for righteousness.
However, pride is a dangerous force. Like a growing tree that refuses correction, pride hardens the heart. Proverbs 16:18 warns,
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
The older we get — physically or spiritually — the easier it becomes to justify our bent ways, to cling to what feels familiar even if it is not upright. A mature tree that has grown crooked cannot easily be made straight again without severe trauma; likewise, a hardened heart resists the gentle tugs of the Spirit.
The solution, then, is daily humility. It is to recognize that no matter how “mature” we may feel, we must remain pliable in the hands of God. James 4:6 reminds us,
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
It is the humble who are continually refined, corrected, and straightened by the Word and Spirit of God.
In our Christian walk, we are all trees in the making.
Let us, while there is still time, bow our hearts low, allowing the Master Gardener to shape us into vessels of uprightness and beauty. For in humility, there is grace; in teachability, there is hope; and in surrender, there is the fullness of life that Christ promised.
As the Psalmist prayed in Psalm 25:4-5:
“Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
With Love, Esinam.
Virtuous Living 