*By Tammy Maes, CLW Contributing Writer
Colossians 2:6-7
“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.”
Last spring I decided that I wanted to learn how to garden. I made plans for what it takes to begin this journey. I bought the seeds, learned how to prepare the soil and then set up fencing around my garden. As I planted each seed in the proper type of soil, I was aware that they must be rooted in order to grow and produce fruit and veggies.
In our scripture, Paul was speaking to the church to ensure the believers were also “rooted” in Christ. He desired that each person live a life pleasing to the Lord and in order to grow spiritually, they needed to plant their roots in the Lord.
Plants with firm, strong roots will be able to stand through all things. Plants with roots that are shallow and do not have a firm grip to the earth will fall when adversity comes. This is true for our lives too. Whether we are rooted in the world or in God, we will produce that type of fruit. When we have a solid hold on our Savior, we trust that He will make a way through adversity. If our “roots” are not firmly planted in Christ, when trials or difficulties come, we are pulled away from Him.
We must stabilize our lives by spending time in God’s Word and praying. Ask God to help you ground yourself in Him. Seek His ways during difficult times and trust that He will bring you through. Build on your faith by remembering how God has worked in your life. Share God’s word with friends and family who may need encouragement. Get involved in doing the work that God has set forth before us. Love and forgive others as Christ has loved and forgiven us.
Like my garden, we must invest the time and energy in growing our faith in Jesus.
When we see the amazing fruit that is produced, we will abound in thanksgiving and glorify our Father in Heaven.
