A few years ago, I was with my husband, Michael, and our oldest son, Sam, in the car. I have forgotten what we were talking about, but I remember making an unkind remark to them about someone. When I got home, the Holy Spirit really got on my case about what I had said. I was guilty and ashamed and repented quickly. Jesus forgave me instantly, but I knew I needed to ask forgiveness from Michael and Sam. Michael was relatively easy — we have to repent to one another on a regular basis because we live together — but confessing to Sam was a bit harder. But I called him up, confessed my sin and asked his forgiveness. His reply was classic: “Sure I forgive you, Mama. I know how easy it is to lose your perch in the tree of life!” We both laughed, all was well between us, and that phrase has become a part of our family vernacular. “It sure is easy to lose your perch in the Tree of Life!”

Of course, the good news is that, no matter what causes your grip to slip, your perch in the Tree of Life is easily restored through repentance. Jesus is quick to forgive and cleanse and restore us when we confess our sin to Him. The reality of the situation is that it is Jesus Who has the grip on us instead of we who keep our grip on Him! Even when we are unfaithful, He remains faithful. Even when we sin, He pursues us in order to restore us to fellowship with Himself. We FEEL LIKE we have lost our perch in the Tree of Life, but in actual fact, Jesus is holding us tightly and firmly within the boughs of His Love. 

The 2009 Antioch Marriage Conference is entitled “Keeping Your Perch in the Tree of Life”. It will focus on some basic understandings that keep us in right relationship with God. God never breaks relationship with His children, but we often break fellowship with Him because we feel guilty and ashamed of something we have done. We assume that He doesn’t want to talk to us because we have done something that does not please Him. I forget that my sin has no effect on His love for me and His desire to have fellowship with me, so I feel separated from Him when He is right there with me all the time.

Married couples can help one another to remember the love God has for us. When guilt, shame, and discouragement overwhelm me, it is so very helpful for Michael to remind me that all I need to do is repent. I don’t have to do penance, fix myself, promise never to do it again, or make resolutions for self-improvement. I just need to repent and ask forgiveness. Jesus knows my frame, He understands my problem, and He already took the punishment for my sin. He WANTS to forgive me! 

So keeping your perch in the Tree of Life is a matter of being quick to repent. Simple. Why don’t you come practice with us at the Marriage Conference?

How great is our God!