Have you noticed how most houses have at least one tree in the front yard? It provides some shade and adds to curb appeal. Either the houses we moved into had one, or we planted one for the reasons above. However, I am now aware of a big reason not to have a tree in the front yard. 

For most homes in cities, the sewer line runs out under the front yard 12 to 15 feet underground. In an average size home, the tree is not far from the sewer line. Trees need water, and their roots grow down and out in search of water. Especially in times of drought, those roots will find any crack or small breach in the sewer line. Then the tree’s happiness is proportionate with the homeowner’s displeasure as his sewer backs up due to the thirsty roots. 

What a fitting analogy to the wicked desires of the flesh. The flesh craves the filth of this world. It’s so subtile and will relentlessly seek to satisfy it’s desires. The filth is near and downward, never upwards. It looks innocent on the surface (simple entertainment), but it carries out its work out of sight. 

Walk in the Spirit, not in legalism but out of a sincere heart for loving the One Who died for us. We live to please Him “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Tim 2:4), and therefore hate evil. “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (Psalms 11:5).

Doesn’t the following sound like it could be a description for what’s on normal TV programming or movies each night? “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).