The Square Tree

"And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31).

On a regular morning, as I walked to work, I was surrounded by the nature around me. The trees, with their various shades of green, the grass sprouting between the sidewalks, the birds singing, the gentle breeze, and the blue sky dotted with white clouds made me reflect on the perfection of God's work. However, a square tree caught my attention and led me to a deep meditation on the contemporary church.

God's creation, as described in the book of Genesis, is a masterpiece that reflects His essence and perfection. Every element of nature has a purpose, and its beauty is a testimony to divine wisdom. When we encounter the variety of shapes and colors in nature, it is easy to understand that creation is not meant to be monotonous, but rich and dynamic. Each tree, each flower, each creature has its uniqueness, and this is a reflection of God's character.

The square tree I found during my walk symbolizes well the transformation currently taking place in the church. Just as this tree that grew from a perfect seed but was shaped artificially, the institutionalized church, through human intervention, has moved away from the simplicity and perfection that God established. The appearance of the square tree contrasts with the natural beauty of the others, just as religious practices and human structures diverge from God's original purpose for the church.

Trees should grow according to their essence, just as the church should reflect natural life and growth. By deviating from the simplicity of the gospel, the church can get lost in ostentation, in practices and appearances that please the hearts of men but do not glorify God.

Division, lack of humility, and practices that do not align with biblical principles lead the church to stagnation and distancing from its essence. The church should develop organically, following the teachings of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The analogy of the square tree invites us to reflect on the reality of the contemporary church. We need to critically examine our practices and structures, always seeking to align ourselves with the principles of love, communion, humility, unity, and organic growth. Only then can we reflect the beauty and perfection of God's original creation, revealing to the world the true essence of the church, which is the expression of Christ's love and grace.