Tree of Heaven-Ailanthus altissima

Something to Ponder:

Tree of Heaven

If there is a tree that is misnamed, the Tree of Heaven is it. This tree is an invasive species, has a somewhat offensive smell, and aggressively moves to overwhelm other native species that surround it. If that isn’t enough, the tree is resistant to insects and disease and reproduces a multitude of seedlings each year. Brought to the United States over 300 years ago as a shade tree, the Tree of Heaven can now be found throughout the state of Indiana and the Midwest.

Our lives are not dissimilar. From the very start we allowed, even invited, sin’s “invasion.” What may have started as a simple idea to provide a bit of “shade” in our lives has now become part of our landscape. Unchecked, it becomes worse, gradually shoving out the other good things in our lives. An addiction, a sinful relationship, a greediness of self-sowing seeds of sin, one after the other.

And that is who we really are: Flesh-and-bone vessels of an invasive species called sin. It is not who we were meant to be not who God wants us to be. Thankfully, our sins are forgiven when we truly ask God for forgiveness and turn away from our sin.

Learn More:

Tree Of Heaven; Ailanthus Tree-Ailanthus altissima, a medium to large tree, up to 80 feet tall, with a loose, open crown. An exceedingly fast growing tree up to 10 feet a year that thrives in waste places, especially in blighted areas of cities. A native or northern China; introduced to the United States as an urban ornamental. Also called Stink Tree for the disagreeable odor of crushed. leaves or male flowers. Tree of Heaven is now considered quite invasive.