When you think about the American South, what iconic things come to mind that represent it for you? Several jump out to me, but one of my favorites is the live oak tree. Rooted like an ancient sentinel, the live oak stands with a wide, unshakable presence–its gnarled limbs stretching outward like arms embracing the land. Often draped in Spanish moss and cloaked in deep green leaves, it commands reverence as both a shelter and a symbol of endurance. Weathering hurricanes and history alike, the live oak embodies strength, grace, and the quiet majesty of the Southern landscape.

When it comes to the Christian life, followers of Jesus are called to be like a live oak. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, we are called to stand firm, to not be moved from the position we hold in the faith, to hold onto the teachings we have been given. We are to remain unshakable, enduring whatever comes our way.

And this calling is important because just before this directive, Apostle Paul prophesies that there will be a great apostasy at the end of the age, a time when many people will be moved away from the faith and break affinity with the church and with Christ. But that won’t be us if we extend our roots deep down in the fertile ground of Jesus Christ and the Word of God. When we do that, we become like what is spoken of in Psalm 1, “a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.”

Beloved, may we never be moved from the unsurpassing goodness of God! May we be like the mighty live oak of the American South! “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word,” (2 Thes 2:16–17).

Change begins in you!