The Tree Life Chose Meಮಾದರಿ

Day 3: Purify the Environment
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:21

Trees and plants are truly God’s amazing creations. They do not just look beautiful, they give us oxygen to breathe, absorb harmful toxins, and help purify the air around us. The more trees we plant, the cleaner and healthier our environment becomes. That is why many countries have laws to protect trees and people are encouraged to plant trees. I saw a documentary explaining how certain types of trees and plants can clean the air just like artificial electrical air purifiers. Now think about that in a spiritual sense. As Christians, our presence in this world should act like trees removing pollution and moral filth from around us. Gossip, lust, pride, slander, and any other type of sin are the toxins of our culture, but when we are rooted in Christ, we continually purify it. We do it by living differently, choosing truth over gossip, purity over lust, humility over pride, and grace over slander. We should never blend in with others. Our words should bring life, not negativity and death.

One powerful example of this in the Bible is Daniel. While living in the morally corrupt environment of Babylon, Daniel stayed rooted in God. He did not compromise his faith or values. Instead, his presence brought integrity, wisdom, and righteousness to a place filled with idolatry. Through his godly character and bold choices, Daniel “purified” the atmosphere around him and even influenced kings. He was the source of purification in the kingdom full of moral filth. Sadly, from personal experience, I have been around people whose constant negativity, criticism, and harshness made the atmosphere feel heavy, so much so that it felt hard to even breathe around them. They take your oxygen away. Do not be that person! Let your presence be like a tree, be a breath of fresh air. Be someone who brings peace, hope, and kindness into every space you enter. Our actions should restore, not damage. When people spend time around us, they should feel uplifted, encouraged, and reminded of God’s presence.

Reflection: Is my presence purifying or polluting the spaces I enter? Am I speaking life or spreading negativity? Like a tree, we are planted to clean the environment, and to bring glory to God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to clean out anything within me that pollutes the hearts of others and use me to purify the environment around me. Make me a breath of fresh air in a world that so desperately needs You. Amen.