Living in the Tree of Life

Let’s pick up where we started last week and learn how we can truly live in the Tree of Life (TOL). God’s Word, in Romans 8:1-2, explains where Tree of Life living begins, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:1-2). The Apostle Paul tells us the how of TOL living complete with freedom from bondage in our thoughts, actions, and relationships and it all begins with a restored relationship with God the Father through the extravagant love of Jesus who “while we were still sinners” died for us (Romans 5:8). Because of Christ’s finished work on the cross, our relationship is restored, and we serve God in our freedom not out of the duty or fear of a servant. 

How are you living your life – as a servant or as a son or daughter? As God’s sons and daughters, we serve Him faithfully and lovingly as part of His family. Like our earthly relationships, our relationship with God is strengthened as we spend time with Him in prayer, in His Word, and in fellowship with other believers (our brothers and sisters). In doing so, we choose to live daily in the Tree of Life walking in godliness and freedom. 

Living in the Tree of Life, unlike living in the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, allows God to help us make life-giving decisions daily regardless of the situation or circumstance in which we find ourselves. Paul reminds us in how in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” When we renew our minds to the truth of His Word, He grants us wisdom and real change happens. 

Living in the Tree of Life helps us change our internal truth, which, in turn, helps us alter our external responses and choose God’s Way – the way of Life. As we go through the week ahead, striving toward TOL living, may we take our thoughts and actions captive, make them obedient to the Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew our thoughts and attitudes, so that we may grow in our relationship with God and become more like Christ.

If you want to take a deeper dive with us, there’s still time to pick up your copies of A Year to a Better You, the year-long devotional, and the companion S.O.A.P. Journal.