How do you live your life? What or who are you rooted in? Does that root go deep or is it shallow and spread out like a spider web? Do you receive the nourishment you need to strengthen you, or do you wither when it gets hot?
It may seem odd to compare ourselves to a plant, but it is a good way to understand how we are strengthened and grow. We have experience with growing plants, whether it is a vegetable garden, flowers, or we are a farmer.
We know that plants come from a seed or a bulb. We plant the seed, put down some fertilizer, and ensure we water it appropriately. The seed sprouts, the stem of the plant pokes out of the soil, and the first leaves are seen. The root drills its way down into the soil to gather nutrients and water so the plant will continue to be fed. The deeper the root goes, the more likely the plant will be able to withstand the heat of summer when there is no rain for several days.
It is much the same with us. Our initial planting comes at baptism. Initially, we are just like the seed. There is the sprouting, which includes wonderful joy and a feeling of exhilaration. Just like the plant, if the root doesn’t grow, we whither and die, meaning we fall away from the faith that brought us to baptism to begin with. When our root drills deeper in God, we gain strength and grow in our faith. The stronger we become, the better we withstand the attacks from Satan, the dry times, and the lonely times.
Throughout the growth process, we experience God in new ways. We see Him working in our lives and come to appreciate all He is doing. We give Him thanks for always being there for us. As we give thanks, our root grows deeper in God. It is a wonderful circle of life that is a gift from God.
I pray we all grow deeper in God. I pray we seek to gain strength from Him. I pray we are thankful for all God is doing in our lives, thereby growing deeper in Him, and being strengthened by Him. Grow in God. Be fully rooted in God. Be strengthened by God. Be thankful of all God is doing for you.
Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Marty Pressey 