It simply can’t be overstated that a strong root system is vital to the survival and growth of a healthy plant or tree. Leaves and fruit identify the plant and help to determine it’s overall health. In fact, there is a group of quaking Aspens in south central Utah called Pando (lit. “I spread” or “quaking giant”). This group of trees is known as the single largest living organism in the world — a clonal colony, bound by one massive root system. Aspens have the unique ability to produce genetically identical offspring through offshoots from their roots. It is said their leaves change color and fall off, all at the same time.
If one really wants to know how a plant or tree is doing, they check the roots. A strong, established root system provides stability and is the primary way a plant receives nutrients, moisture and even oxygen. It is said that roots make up half of a given plant and it’s the same with the follower of Christ. Some doubt their belief in Christ simply because they neglect their root system or their life in Him. We speak a great deal about Christ living in us, but it’s equally vital to consider that we are in Him as well. In Ephesians 3:17, Paul prayed that believers would be strengthened with power in the inner man, through the Spirit “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love [emph. mine] may have strength to comprehend . . .” I am in Christ, and Christ is in me.
As soon as you professed faith in Christ as Lord and received His saving grace, His Spirit re-created you, His life was infused into your spirit and you were born again (John 3:5-6). You were planted in his life and love. You are now invited into that life everyday, dying with Jesus so that you might be raised up with Him; drawing life from Him and growing in Him (Eph. 2:21 & 4:5). You were also born into a family, united and bound together in a community of faith.
The daily disciplines of growth and faith come alive, as you meditate upon and receive nutrition from the Word of God (Psalm 1:2 and Mathew 4:40). You are hydrated, animated and oxygenated by His indwelling Spirit (John 7:37-39, Job 33:4, John 20:22). Most of all, your faith in Christ is strengthened within the community of others, and His grace is shared among the Body (Hebrews 10:23-25).
I dare you to try to obsess about and overdo this aspect of the Christian life. When the heat of day bears down, the storm rages or the wind of every doctrine tries to carry you away, you will be firmly grounded and established, because your roots will run deep and wide in the love and knowledge of Him.
Pastor Dave Hook
Worship Arts Ministry