Allegories are an effective way to teach us the meaning of profound truth by way of a story. Jesus used them to guide His followers in their efforts to follow His will. This allegory hopefully will guide you also.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
An Allegory
My enjoyment of nature this time of year prompted me to write a story with a hidden meaning:
“Miss Maple watched as surrounding poplars, beechnuts, and other trees began to change color. Leaves of red, orange, and gold met Miss Maple’s startled eyes. The wind swirled their gorgeous leaves round and round like ballerinas on a string. Could she become as beautiful as even the most brilliantly colored tree in the forest?
“One day Miss Maple looked down and discovered her own leaves brightening. Now she could compete in beauty with the trees around her. She watched with delight as her robust, eye-popping leaves of red and orange danced in the breeze, twirling and spinning. But soon they fell at her feet. Before she knew it, Miss Maple stood knee-deep in blood-red leaves. She had lost her modest covering.
“Now exposed to the harsh, winter winds and unrelenting cold, she huddled in embarrassment and misery. Her eyes could not look at the other trees around her. Downcast, she focused only on the now-faded leaves beneath her.
“By spring Miss Maple was desperate. To whom could she turn for help? She sought her Maker, the God of creation. Mercifully, He touched Miss Maple, clothing her in a soft raiment of green. As the wind rustled through her new leaves, she sang a song of thanks, no longer desiring to be the most beautiful tree in the forest, but a servant of her King.”
My allegory may not be as far-fetched as it seems. For one thing, the Psalmist speaks of trees clapping their hands in praise to God their Creator. And science has proven that trees have a language, speaking to one another in the forest. Jesus often spoke about His living creation, stating that even the stones would cry out in praise of Him.
Can we identify with the allegory? Have we sometimes taken credit for our own efforts rather than crediting God for them? Perhaps we have reached a point when our self-motivated words or actions become so unfulfilling that we cry out to God in desperation. We can take joy in knowing He promises wholeness and newness of life when we earnestly seek His righteousness, peace, and joy.
“…Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and … put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Lord, thank You for clothing us in Your righteousness and love. Forgive us for focusing on our own self-importance and the deceptive desires of the world rather than on the things of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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