The obvious clich? in the Redwoods is the perspective that one gains when standing at the base of a tree. There is little doubt that standing at the base of a tree centuries old, with a diameter far bigger than most cars, and taking a look skyward is enough to humble virtually every man. The question is only how humble, not if. The canopy of tree branches intertwines to form a covering as tight as the roots that hold each other up. It is as if the whole army has conspired to stand against the onslaught of just one man.
Walk away from the tree and your confidence and assurance rises with each step. It is almost as if you want to forget that you do not and cannot control everything. We know this truth when problems and challenges overwhelm, but we still want to believe we are in charge of our lives and that we can control the results.
Which is true? Standing next to the unending tree or walking out in the open? Is one a position of confidence and one of arrogance? How does any of this relate to a journey with God?
In my journey the questions always come back to a single question of my ability to save myself. Can I? I do not have the ability, no matter how strong, disciplined, and much I try to stay at it. God stands next to me offering a unique, all consuming, all powering gift. If I accept it I wear everything that God represents. This includes awesome power and confidence. It also includes service, humility, unlimited mercy and love.
What qualifies you and me? “The only reason you’re on the tree is because your graft ‘took’ when you believed, and because you’re connected to that belief-nurturing root. So don’t get cocky and strut your branch. Be humbly mindful of the root that keeps you lithe and green.” (Romans 11.19)
Arrogance is trusting in my own abilities. Confidence comes in knowing the truth source of power, love, and mercy; i.e. God.
