"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted, and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." Col 2:6-7

The apostle Paul using an analogy that is not only easy to understand but also essential to the Christian to apply. It would be wise for us to heed these words. We need to be deeply rooted in Christ Jesus in order to endure life's trials and temptations to the end. Without deep roots the pleasures of this world or the deceit of false doctrine could easily ensnare us and sweep us away. I have a short story that illustrates this.

A writer for a local newspaper was interviewing a farmer about the effects of recent weather on his crops. Rain had been abundant and the farmer's soybean and corn crops were tall and lush. "My crops are especially vulnerable right now," said the farmer. This statement took the reporter by surprise. He had planned to focus his article on the good harvest expected and the economic boom it would bring for the town. The farmer went on, "even a short drought could have a devastating effect." "Why?" asked the reporter. The farmer explained that while we see frequent rains as a benefit, during rainy times the plants are not required to push their roots deep in search of water. The roots remain near the surface, leaving the plants unprepared for drought. His crop also faced the danger of sudden strong windstorms. Again, because of the shallow root structure, a strong wind could wipe him out in only a few minutes.

There is a danger for Christians to enjoy the abundance of blessings or "rain showers" received from the Lord and from each other. In other words our spiritual lives are top heavy. Its great to be blessed in Christ and to draw encouragement from spending time with each other, but if that's all your aiming for then your roots are shallow and your vulnerable. When stressful times come these same Christians can lose faith, abandon God and fall away. Why? Their roots have never pushed much below the surface, making then vulnerable to the strong winds of trials or the searing heat of temptations.

Only the roots grown deep into God will help us endure tough times. Put your roots down more deeply today. Spend more time with the Lord .... in His word ...and in prayer.

Eric