BITTER ROOTS CAUSE GREAT TROUBLE
The Chowchilla New=
s Pastor’s Commentary by John
Parker for April 25, 2007
My
computer has root files. I’m not sure=
what
they do but the title “root” gives me a clue that they are hidd=
en
and powerful and that I’d better not delete them or mess with them in=
any
way.
I just went online and found =
this definition
for root files. “The ro=
ot
file system is the top of the hierarchical file tree. It contains the files=
and
directories critical for system operation.”
This confirms my suspicions a=
bout
the importance of the root files but also confuses me since they are to be
found at the “top of the hierarchical tree.” I’ve always =
look
for roots at the bottom of the tree!
Speaking of roots, one of my
relatives has never eaten a radish.
Doesn’t like hot stuff.
I told him they are not too hot and very good with a sprinkle of sal=
t to
sweeten them up. He still
won’t bite.
I’m still thinking abou=
t that
“top of the hierarchical tree” thing. Even the radish has its little bit=
of
green “tree” above it.
Like most roots we know, Mr. Radish does his main business undergrou=
nd,
in the dark, and out-of-sight. If
you don’t know how to identify that fat, red, root’s foliage you
may never find it! You have f=
ind
the visible stuff in order to know you’ve got a root down under!
The Bible speaks of a spiritu=
al
root that unlike the zesty Mr. Radish is not fit for human consumption, not
even as a garnish!
The Bible says, “See to
it…that no ROOT OF BITTERNESS springs up and causes trouble, and by it
many become defiled.” (Hebrews 12:15)
We can find the root of bitte=
rness
quickly if we know what to look for above ground. The original Greek word for bitter=
ness
is “pikros” meaning to be sharp, or pointed. When we hear ourse=
lves
picking at, needling, goading, and getting sharp each other we can be sure
bitterness is at the root of it. &nbs=
p;
The Bible says, “Do
everything without complaining or arguing.” (Philippians 2:14) “=
;In
everything gives thanks always and for everything to God the Father.”
(Ephesians 5:20)
Jesus said, “By their f=
ruits
you shall know them.” (Matthew 7:16) When we are manifesting the very
visible fruits of needling, goading, picking, grumbling, murmuring,
complaining, whining, griping, rudeness and ingratitude we know we can start
digging for the root of bitterness for we will be sure to find it.
The terrible danger of the ro=
ot of
bitterness is that it “causes trouble, and by it many become
defiled.” It’s a contagious sin that infests and infects many
others! Let’s root it out!
“Heavenly Father, pleas=
e weed
out this defiling root in us that causes so much trouble in ourselves and
spreads to our loved ones and friends. Lead us into your grace and peace. In
Jesus Name, Amen.”
For Your Health and
Wholeness!---John Parker, pastor of
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