On the Subject of Roots

Excerpt from Charles Swindoll's "Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life."

Strong roots stablize growth. If that's true of trees it is certainly crucial for Christians. Roots strengthen and support us against the prevailing winds of persuasion. When the mind-bending gales attack without warning, it's the network of solid roots that holds us firm and keeps us straight. Beautiful branches and lacy leaves, no matter how attractive, fail to fortify us as the velocity increases. It takes roots, stubborn, deep, powerful roots, to keep us standing.

That explains why the Savior said what He did about the plant that withered. It had a root problem, so it couldn't handle the blistering rays of the sun. And why Paul's prayer for those young energetic Ephesian believers included the thought, of "being rooted and ground..."

But before you get excited about whipping up a strong set of roots, better remember this: It takes time. There's no instant route to roots. And it isn't fun 'n' games either. It's hard work. Nor is it a high-profile process. Nobody spends much time digging around a tree trunk, admiring: "What neat roots you have!" No, the stronger and deeper the roots, the less visible they are. The less noticed.

Check it out in the Bible:

Mark 1:16-17, "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble."

Ephesians 3:14, 16, 17, 18, "For this I [Paul] bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...that He would grant you...to be strenghened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love...may be able to...know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Take note

Spending time with the Lord deepens our root system which readys us for the inevitable turbulence of everyday life. Five minutes a day. When we read in our Bibles for just five minutes daily, the Lord nourishes us with His food, His strength, His power. Just five minutes.