Are You Rooted In Christ And Being Built Up?

When we go out on the property for the first time each spring, we know there will always be some trees knocked over. Sometimes they've broken in half, other times just the tops have fallen, while some trees will break off at the base of the trunk. It's always an adventure to get these pieces out of the paths so the tractor will cut through easily.

There are some trees, though, that fall over in the wind, and we're able to see the entire root ball sticking up. There are incredibly strong winds in Iowa, especially during the winter, and a tree that doesn't have an established root system will keel over, going root-side-up in an instant.

What causes roots to not dig deep? Young trees just haven't had enough time to root down deep for strength. Some trees have too much water or too little water and topple over easily. If it's been a dark and dreary year, the lack of sun will stunt the growth of tree roots. And if the soil where they've planted themselves isn't great or doesn't have the right nutrients, they'll go roots up in a heartbeat.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Paul wrote to the church at Colossi that salvation isn't the end of a process, but the beginning of a life dedicated to Christ. In order to be walking on an established path that brings glory to God, Paul says we have to be both rooted and built up in Christ. This isn't something that just happens in a Christian but is a process of learning and growing that takes place for the rest of our lives.

So what helps us get rooted deep in Christ so He can build us up? 
* Time: time in God's word, time in prayer, and time in study.
* Watering: just the right amount of learning and absorbing His truth.
* Light: staying in the sunlight of Christ's personal joy and peace.
* Soil: taking in all the nutrients of preaching, reading, Bible study and fellowship with God's people.

If your roots don't feel quite so deep right now, take Paul's advice and walk alongside the Lord, remember what you've been taught, and praise Him all the thanksgiving in your heart. Then the roots will grow down deep and your branches will grow up big and strong.

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