SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1061

“Rooted in Christ”

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

When I want to give my wife a gift of flowers, I bring her a potted plant. I learned early on in our marriage that although appreciative of the thought and the expression of my love, she viewed cut flowers as dead plants. When you think about it, it makes sense. The difference between a potted plant and a bouquet of flowers is roots. No matter the amount of effort to preserve the bouquet, without roots they are dead.

The Word of God has much to say about roots in a spiritual sense. If we are not spiritually rooted in Jesus Christ then we are spiritually dead. Indeed, we all began that way until we received Jesus as our Lord and Savior and were made spiritually alive in Him. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—… (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Even the mightiest of trees is dependent upon a healthy root system for stability, strength, and life. A healthy root system requires a depth of properly watered good soil to provide nutrition and stability for the tree. Our environment, circle of friends, etc. define our soil conditions. Having accepted Jesus Christ decades ago I see clearly now why the Lord ripped me out of the environment I was in and moved me a thousand miles away to start in fresh soil. Had I remained in my old environment I would most likely have been like seed on rocky soil and would have been in jeopardy of falling away from the faith. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. (Luke 8:13)

Good soil comes from walking with Christ and sometimes that requires being transplanted. Was being transplanted easy and fun? In a word: No. But it was necessary and I praise God for His loving care and protection to establish me and to root and ground me in His love. …so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Is the fruit of the Spirit of God evident in your life? …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; (Galatians 5:22-23) If not, check the health of your roots and the health of the soil they are in. Are your roots well watered with the Living water of the Word of God? Is your soil well aerated, able to receive the life-giving breath of the Spirit of God or is it hard and compacted by bitterness, sin and unforgiveness? Are your roots weakened and dying from being infected by the fungus of impurity that you have allowed to invade your environment?

May you yield to the Master Gardener having accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father. (John 15:1-8) May your life glorify God as you walk with Him, firmly rooted in Jesus Christ.