We are told in Psalm 92 verse 12 that "the righteous shall flourish like the palm tree." This statement of the psalmist means a lot more when one is acquainted with the growing habits of the palm tree. People who live in tropical and semitropical areas are familiar with their graceful towering beauty; they are a very common tree to them. But few realise what meanings the characteristics of this stately tree have.

The first simile is life. The life of this tree comes through its centre or heart. Just as all other trees, it draws moisture up through its roots from the earth. But instead of the sap going up on the outside between the bark and the wood of the tree, in the palm tree the sap goes up the very heart of the tree. Simply removing the bark completely around the tree for about an inch or two can kill most trees. The life of the palm, however, does not lie so close under the surface, and is not affected by surface injury. It must be completely cut off, to be killed.

The same applies to 'palm tree Christians'. The Word of God states this so aptly in Romans 10.10 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness." A 'palm tree Christian' is not affected by outward environment, but draws his life and strength through the heart.

The palm tree is perennially green. Life flows within its being continually. Those who are considered 'palm tree Christians' never change. They are the same vibrant witnesses of God's grace day in and day out, because Jesus Christ Himself is "the same yesterday, today and forever."

It is impossible to graft a palm tree into another palm tree. It will die. This is a unique characteristic and applies equally to 'palm tree Christians' Our Lord said, Matthew 6.24, that "no man can serve two masters".. His affections and obedience would be divided, and he would fail altogether in his duty to one or the other. When we allow pride to become our master, it takes the place of God in our hearts and we automatically cut ourselves off from Him, yet there are many who still try to serve both God and themselves.

JGH