We erring humans must continually realize that man is human. The church of Christ is in need of close communion with the Lord Jesus. Those who feel most their dependence upon God are usually those who have the least amount of earthly treasure on which to depend.
Of all the trees, the Scotch fir-tree is one of the best from which Christians may draw inspiring lessons. The Scotch fir requires less soil for its roots than any other tree. In a dry soil and amidst barren rocks it finds sufficient nourishment to keep it as green in the winter as in the summer. With the least amount of earth about its roots, it towers above all the other trees, reaching the highest toward heaven. This tree is an object lesson to bring to the minds of all what a Christian should be.
Church members who are standing in the place where God has planted them are trees of righteousness. Although their surrounding circumstances may be adverse, yet, like the fir-tree with little soil about its roots, they constantly reach heavenward, drawing nourishment from above. Like the fragrant boughs of the fir-tree, they impart grace for grace received. The hidden nourishment that comes from God is returned to Him in purest service.