Nurturing Deep Roots
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)
A Chinese proverb says, “When the roots are deep, there’s no reason to fear the wind.” A Christian did not create the proverb; truth and divine wisdom shine from many sources and religions. In Jeremiah 17:7-8, the prophet describes the necessity of providing water to the roots of a tree so that when heat and drought come, the tree will survive. In Colossians, being rooted provides the strength to retain teaching and a faith worthy of praising God.
In the New Testament, laying down strong roots can produce positive and negative consequences. In the gospel of Mark, the writer warns that “They have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.” Our spiritual roots only last when they are deep enough to overcome adversity.
Even deep roots can have a negative impact. “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). The Bible warns that negative roots can foster despair. As believers, God calls us to cultivate meaningful roots of faith, hope, love, and justice. This responsibility extends to our Christian communities and the wider society. Nurturing these roots is challenging, as social and political pressures often diverge from God’s vision for the world.
Today, prayerfully ponder the roots nurtured in you. Were you raised in the Christian faith? What roots did your family water in your life when you were young? What roots are you nurturing in your family today? Finally, consider the dichotomy between what you are encouraging and what you want to grow within your family and community. Finally, prayerfully invite God into the process of nurturing your roots, but that of your family and faith community, so your life can make a lasting difference in God’s name.