A friend of mine posted this photo of a tree in New Orleans.

As I was looking at it, I immediately heard in my spirit, “Be careful what you surround yourself with…it will become a part of you!”

I’m sure that this metal support was put around the tree to help it grow. But, as we can see, there came a point where the metal began to become a part of the tree itself.

The tree is still growing, but we can see that the metal is affecting the integrity of the tree. It’s not meant to be a part of the tree structure – but because of it’s close proximity on a continual basis – it has become part of it.

I hear the Lord saying that we need to be aware of what we surround ourselves with! What are we allowing to transform us? God or man?

Do we surround ourselves with the Truth of God’s Word or do we surround ourselves with manmade truths and opinions?

As in the photo, we can still grow and continue our lives apart from God’s plan…but our lives will not display the beauty and purpose of our creation.

Brothers & Sisters! May our lives be a life of holiness, beauty, and truth in the Lord and not be marred with things of the flesh that will negatively affect our growth.

What surrounds us on a daily basis? What are we allowing to become a part of our lives…a part of who we are?

[photo credit: Will Griffis]