Last week, I posted about how we can be like the crowd in the story of Zacchaeus, but today I want to talk about how we can be the tree.
(Read last week’s post: Lessons from Zacchaeus (Part 2): How to Be the Crowd)
The tree lifted up Zacchaeus so he could get a view of Jesus, and we can do that for unbelievers, too, especially those with willing hearts like Zacchaeus. All we have to do is focus on our own hearts.
Yes, really. That’s all we have to do.
You see, when we focus on our hearts, we strive to live in alignment with Christ’s teachings. By doing so, we lift up the people around us because we show Christ’s love as best we can.
This manifests itself twofold. First, by focusing on our own hearts, we remember how much God has forgiven us and readily extend that forgiveness to others. In a world that hordes grudges like King Miser collected gold, showing forgiveness to others will get people’s attention. That alone could plant a seed leading them to Christ.
Secondly, by focusing on our own hearts, we strive to live to glorify God with our deeds.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
– Matthew 5:16
This could be something as simple as showing kindness to a random stranger or a loved one. Christ throughout His ministry helped people, so why shouldn’t we? If we’re going to follow anyone’s example, it should be Him.
Really, following His example is the best way to be the tree. Because if we Christians talk about a loving and forgiving Father yet don’t show that love and forgiveness, it makes Christianity sound like a fluke.
And you and I both know that it’s not a fluke.
If we show that love and forgiveness, we can make a change in people’s lives. We may never see that change come to fruition, but God does. God knows. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that God named the tree Zacchaeus climbed. He wanted us to know. I think He wanted us to see that something as simple as helping someone see over a crowd of naysayers can be used by God for His glory.
And I think it shows that He puts us in places where we can serve Him. It’s no coincidence that the sycamore tree was along the path Jesus walked that day. And it’s no coincidence that you’re placed where you are.
We all have the chance to be the tree. Let’s not waste it by being the crowd.
