Daily Devotional for January 3, 2020
A Christian Tree
The holidays were officially over. Several Christmas trees with forgotten bits of tinsel had been placed along the sidewalks, waiting to be hauled away. On a drive home from their grandparents’ house, Maya and her brother Logan counted them. “Eight,” Maya announced.
“Nine,” Logan corrected her. “A man back there just tossed out another one.” Maya glanced back and nodded.
“You know what, Mom?” said Maya. “Madison says her family doesn’t believe in Christmas or Jesus.”
“That’s too bad,” said Mom. “I feel sorry for her.”
“I don’t!” said Logan. “She’s rich!”
“Yeah. Madison has a big house and lots of nice clothes and even her own brand-new smartphone,” Maya said with a twinge of jealousy.
“She may have lots of stuff,” said Mom, “but people like her remind me of those withering Christmas trees we’re seeing along the sidewalks.”
Lucy couldn’t believe her ears. “Mom! Madison doesn’t look anything like a withering tree. She’s pretty!”
“Yes, of course she is,” said Mom. “Our Christmas tree looked pretty too, but it was actually dying. It began to die the moment it was cut off from its roots. And we need to be rooted in Jesus—otherwise we’re cut off from God and eternal life. Our lives may look great, but life on earth lasts only a little while. But when we’re rooted in Jesus, we’re like sturdy trees that keep growing year after year. Jesus gives us life and makes us grow.” As she turned into the driveway, Mom added, “Let’s look for ways to help Madison and her family understand who Jesus is and pray they’ll come to trust Him as their Savior.”
Maya nodded thoughtfully. “I was jealous of Madison instead of feeling sorry that she doesn’t know Jesus. I need to pray for her and show her His love. I want her to be a sturdy Christian tree rooted in Jesus!”
“So do I,” Mom said as they got out of the car. “There’s nothing in this world anyone could have that compares to knowing Jesus. That’s why we need to pray for unbelievers and help them see the joy we have in Him.” – Suzanne M. Daly
How about you?
Are you jealous of people who have things you wish you had? Jesus tells us not to envy others because He is all that can satisfy us. If you know Him, you have more than anything this world can offer. Without Him, our short lives on earth wither away like Christmas trees cut off from their roots. Trust Jesus as your Savior. Then pray for those who don’t know Him and show them the life He’s given you.
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