by The White Oak is a fascinating tree. It’s strong, durable, hard, wear-resistance holds nails and screws well. Due to its strength and beauty, it has been used for a great variety of work from heavy construction to interior decorating.
In the fall, nearly every tree sheds its leaves, but the White Oak stubbornly holds onto its dead foliage all winter. Beating snow and sleet accomplish little in stripping away its foliage. Brutal winter storms seem to cause this tree to cling tighter to its old life. When the Spring sun appears, the White Oak begins letting loose of its tight grip such that a gentle rain or a soft breeze brings down a shower of leaves to the ground.
What a wonderful illustration of the believer? After salvation, the new life on the inside is working its way up the branches of our lives. New buds swell and begin unfolding. All that pertained to the old life must now be put off so our new life can be put on. Like this tree, the born-again believer must put off the old life and put on their new life.
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
