Choosing the Right Tree: Consistency in Our Walk with God

In our journey with God, we often face tensions between what we want and what God wants for us. This tension can lead to compromise, which starts small but can grow into significant problems if not addressed. Today, we’ll explore how to consistently choose God’s way over our own desires.

The Tale of Two Trees

Throughout the Bible, trees serve as powerful symbols. In Genesis, we see the Tree of Life, which we needed access to, and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which represented our desire for shortcuts instead of waiting for God’s wisdom. When we chose our way, we lost access to the Tree of Life. In the middle of this story stands another crucial tree – the cross. Jesus, through His sacrifice on the cross, made a way for us to regain access to the Tree of Life. Every day, we face choices between God’s way and our way. It’s ultimately “a tree thing” – which tree will we choose?

What Happens When We Compromise?

The story of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, from 1 Samuel 2 illustrates how compromise can spiral out of control: “Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord.” As priests, they were supposed to follow specific procedures for offerings, but they began taking shortcuts:

First, they took meat while it was still boiling
Then, they demanded raw meat before the fat was burned
Finally, they threatened to take it by force if people didn’t comply

The Bible says “their sin was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt.” This story perfectly illustrates what happens when we go to the wrong tree. It becomes all about us – our desires, our timing, our way. We stop caring about God’s way or other people’s needs.

How Can I More Consistently Choose God’s Way?

Paul gives us guidance in Philippians 3:12: “Not that I have already obtained all this or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Here are three practical ways to consistently choose the right tree:

1. Take Hold of the Solution – Jesus Himself

When we realize we’re compromising, we shouldn’t just try to modify our behavior. We need transformation, which comes through relationship with Jesus. He didn’t come to start a religion but to have an intimate, ongoing relationship with you. Jesus wants to be actively involved in your daily life. When you say yes to Him, His amazing grace covers you despite your mess. But He doesn’t want you to stay that way – He wants you to grow into all you can be in Him.

2. Practice Confession

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) The word “confess” comes from a Greek word meaning “same word.” True confession isn’t just saying “I’m sorry” – it’s agreeing with God: “Your way was right, my way was wrong.” Confession has two important aspects:

First, bring it to Jesus directly
Second, bring it to light by sharing with a safe person

When something remains hidden in darkness, the enemy can beat you up with guilt and shame. Having someone trustworthy who won’t gossip or judge, but will pray with you and help you carry your burden, is invaluable.

3. Recognize Your Patterns

James 1:14-15 describes how temptation works: “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Most compromises follow a simple pattern:

Trigger (something you feel)
Action (what you do in response)
Reward (immediate but temporary satisfaction)

For example:

You feel anxious → You eat a gallon of ice cream → You feel better temporarily

You feel discouraged → You gossip about someone else → You feel temporarily better about yourself

These patterns can become habits that provide immediate rewards but don’t lead to the life God has called us to.

Life Application

This week, take these practical steps toward consistently choosing the right tree:

Hang on to Jesus – Rest in God’s love and know how much you matter to Him. Love Him back and be aware of how He’s actively working in your life.

Identify a trigger – What situations cause you to compromise? When you recognize that trigger, replace your usual action with something better:

Turn to Scripture instead of comfort food
Go for a walk and talk with God instead of gossiping
Call a trusted friend before making a decision you might regret

Find a safe person – If you don’t have someone you can be completely honest with, work on becoming that safe person for others. Be trustworthy, supportive, and prayerful – you’ll likely attract similar people into your life.

Questions to Consider:

What areas of my life am I compromising in right now?
What triggers lead me away from God’s way and toward my own?
Who is a safe person I can confess to when I’m struggling?
How can I become a safer person for others who are struggling?

Remember, people need to see us not just following rules, but loving God and pressing on despite our imperfections. By consistently choosing God’s tree, God’s way, and God’s life, we make a difference in the world around us.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.