Scraping Off Scale

The LORD gave me a good object lesson today with the lime tree at our house that has been beset by scale insects.  No matter what treatments or care I have provided, the saga always continues!  When I stand at the kitchen window I always am on the lookout for scale, and there are times I can see them easily.  What I have learned is whether I see them or not from the kitchen, if I walk up close and look patiently and hard, gently lifting branches and leaves by hand, I will most certainly find scale all over.  Even though the tree is diminutive and the leaves fairly sparse (likely a combination of highly alkaline soil, Neem spray and those troublesome pests!), once I start searching for scale to remove by hand it can be a time-consuming process.

It struck me how finding scale under one branch or leaf leads to me finding more scale elsewhere.  This is an apt illustration how every person in the church of Jesus Christ has their problems and sin that easily latches onto us.  If all the people in the church are represented by leaves on my tree, it is apparent that all of us have our problems whether it be sin or flaws in our character.  One only need linger and look more carefully and undoubtedly our inconsistencies, hypocrisies, unbelief and pride would be apparent to the keen eyes of others--having vast personal experience and thus awareness of these chronic problems ourselves.

Sometimes problems in the lives of people or in relationships are brought to our attention through interactions at church.  For all the problems we know about in a church, know there are countless more troubles, issues and sins than can be counted.  Even if we were to try to tackle every one of them, like scale on leaves many problems would evade our notice and more will become apparent in time.  We can feel like people are picking on us when our problems are brought to light and pointed out, but I assure you I have no ill will against any leaf on the tree--whether it is fresh growth, is wrinkled, dusty with mould, or has holes eaten through it.  It is not fun and enjoyable in itself to stand in the sun and scrape off scale that will be back in a day (literally!), but it is good for the tree to have someone looking after it.

I observe and scrape away the scale for the good of each leaf and the whole tree, and sometimes it stings.  Citrus trees have sharp little spines, and these easily penetrate the skin of fingers and leave them sore.  In a similar way, it can be hard and hurt to address the speck in the eye of a brother even after we have removed the plank from our own eye.  Feeling rejected, dismissed or judged unfairly when we take action for the good of others and the health of the body of Christ can be painful, but if we love Christ and one another sometimes it must be done.  There is healing for our hearts in the LORD who loves us and gave His life for our sakes.  We can rejoice the LORD examines our hearts and minds continually as He dwells within us, and He works faithfully to convict us of sin so we can repent and be cleansed of all iniquity and be restored to fellowship with Him and one another.

Galatians 6:1 reads, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."  Our tendency to ignore  dealing with sin in ourselves or others is almost as chronic as our persistence to sin in the first place.  It is easy to see how this is a vicious cycle that hinders repentance, humility and unity in God's love, grace and mercy.  As Christians we are not called to ferret out and condemn others for their sin but to confess our sins to the LORD and repent.  When it comes to our attention someone else is overtaken in any trespass, we are called to seek their restoration to fellowship with God and one another with gentleness.  It might be easier to rip leaves infested with scale off the tree, and that is how you kill a tree.  Let us take heed we do not cut off whom Jesus has grafted in.

When we are in a position where we have become aware of someone's struggles, troubles or sins, we can become impatient and judgmental.  This is evidence of spiritual immaturity--regardless of how much we know or how upright we see ourselves by comparison.  Praise the LORD He has made us members of the body of Christ where we can help one another be restored rather than being cast off for our mistakes.  God provides all members of the body of Christ opportunity for salvation by the Gospel, and He also generously offers opportunities for forgiveness, restoration and personal transformation.  As God identifies our sin and unbelief, He wisely connects our lives with other Christians who help us scrape away the scale and cleanse one another so we can be be healthy contributors to the whole church by His grace.