Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president

In the last book of the Bible, we read about the tree of life in the earth made new. I have thought about that tree more than once.

It is intriguing to imagine that tree. Revelation 22 states that it is positioned on both sides of the river of life. I have wondered if it meets in the middle over the top and it is all interconnected. Sounds incredibly pretty.

I am most intrigued by the idea that it produces fruit every month of the year and that there are 12 different kinds of fruit being produced. Many friendly arguments have been had over which 12 will be there on the tree. I have my own favorite 12. Frankly I will be happy with whatever kind are there. Most of all, I will be happy to be there.

Proverbs also talks about the tree of life. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise,” Proverbs 11:30.

Here the wise man is saying that your fruit as a Christian is a tree of life. In other words, your witness and the result of your witness is a way that brings life to others. They will be able to see your witness and your Christlike example and receive life as you point others to Jesus.

Total member involvement is just that: Each one using the diverse spiritual gifts given to us by God to help others learn of Jesus.

Not everyone gives Bible studies, preaches, visits the sick or does prison ministry. But everyone has a part to play in the body of Christ. And the results of that ministry is a tree of life to those that you share with.

As you continue to serve Jesus with your spiritual gifts you will see those gifts continue to increase and you will find yourself doing things you didn’t know you could do. And as you listen to the urging of the Holy Spirit, you will keep being that tree of life that produces fruit for the kingdom.

May each of us pray each day for God to lead us to someone that day to talk with about Him and the tree of life.