Planting Oaks

If we were to consider how mature oak trees grow and their benefits once fully grown, I think we would all agree that live oaks, fully grown, are not only beautiful, but they also provide a lot of shade. Shade protects the vegetation below. Without the shade of trees across the globe, the earth would be too hot for us to live, and vegetation for food and animals wouldn’t exist, all due to the loss of the canopy of trees across the world. Trees, especially certain types like live oaks, provide protection and unique beauty. Like all trees, oak trees begin as seeds, either planted by nature or man. Once planted, they require water and good soil to grow. The better the water and nutrients in the soil, the stronger and more glorious the tree becomes.
 
In many ways, men of God are like oak trees. Yes, there are other trees on earth, but men of God are like oaks. Someone planted our seed, watered it, and we have grown into oaks. As mature oaks, we serve a very different purpose––we were chosen for a very special mission. We are called to honor the Lord and plant and water other oaks. In times of storms, we are strong; we don’t waver. We create shade for other plants and living things. We stand strong when other trees sway or even fall.  First, as oaks, we need to know who called us and who we serve. We are oaks because we know who called us to be oaks (“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3).   We didn’t decide to be oaks; Christ called us to be oaks. Second, we are called to plant and water other oaks.

 
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.  (1 Corinthians 3: 5-9)
 
One plants and one waters. We don’t just stand there looking pretty; we plant seeds and make sure they get watered. Simply put, we point them to Christ and then water them. Some of us point, some of us water. But in this process, we must never boast as the planter or the one who waters. Why? The Lord God is the One Who calls and causes us and the plants to grow. While we plant seeds of introduction and also water, the Lord brings the growth. No oak tree can take credit for what Christ has already done (“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11). We are co-workers with Christ, but He is the only absolute authority in the growth process. So why don’t we just stand there? Why not stand tall and majestically like oaks? Because that’s not what oaks are called to do! We were called and will be rewarded for our efforts.  

First, the calling (“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14), and second, the reward (“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10). We don’t just stand there idle; we are actively working to turn other trees into oaks. God is clear in His Word; oak trees are not only called by Him, but He also wants us to participate in His work. And yes, we will be rewarded for what we do.
 
Are we to just stand, looking good to the rest of the world, and only want to nourish ourselves? No, we work knowing we were called for a very special purpose. Our Father in Heaven wants us to fill the earth with other oaks, and the quality of our work will be tested (“their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.” 1 Corinthians 3: 13). Our efforts will be tested, and those efforts will determine the rewards.
 
So how do we know if we are called to be Oaks? If you’re reading this, you are.

Have a great day.
 
Stephen L. Thomas