We Christians talk about being rooted in Christ (the Lord) or rooted in the Word. Revelation 22:16, in my last post, got me thinking about Jesus and his roots in my life. Where did they come from? I went back and looked more closely at my Spiritual Roots.

Just what does being rooted in Christ mean to me? A search of ‘Rooted in the Word’ took me back to the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:21, Mark 4:17, and Luke 8:13). Basically the seed that fell on rocky ground is when a person receives the word with joy and lasts for a time. This person is not rooted in the Word and when troubles arise because of belief in the Word, they fall away.

I then looked up “Rooted in Christ.” The only reference I found in my search was Ephesians 3:17. “and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you rooted and grounded in love,” [NABRE]

My Bible had a reference, from the verse above to Colossians 2:6-7: “So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

After reading these scriptures my thoughts went back to where first learned about Jesus as a child. I have known Jesus for as long as I can remember. I am rooted in Christ by my mom and churches’ teachings. I thank my parents, especially my Mom, for raising me with and teaching me the Faith. As a child, they rooted me in Christ and Word.

I did walk away when I was working and in college. I still believed, but I mentally shrugged God to a back corner of my garden.  My spiritual life went dormant. My life was fun. I had lots of friends. We did a lot of clubbing and partying. I filled the empty spaces with activity until I was exhausted. I ignored my health.

Needless to say my spiritual garden was a mess. I look back and can visualize my patch of the spiritual landscape. The garden was wild and overgrown. The trees are dormant and the flowers have died. The only flowers are from the weeds. Those blooms became hitchhikers to infect other spiritual landscapes.

When I decided to return to faith in Christ, I had a lot of work to do. I’ve been weeding and replanting my garden ever since. The trees are strong and full. The garden is coming along nicely. But as with all gardens spiritual or earthly they need continual care and love. And don’t forget the weeds have to be taken up by the roots! {wink}

To do this I’ve had to give up parts of the worldly life I like. I remind myself what Jesus said in Mark 8:36: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” [NKJV] It’s hard to lose in this world. What we lose is physical. I can see it, touch it, hear it, smell it, and taste it. Shifting the mindset to gaining the spiritual is harder. A gut feeling or a knowing is not as tangible. Love and peace are more valuable than anything this world can offer. It’s just harder for me to wrap my brain around it.

I want both worlds. I want it all. Typical boomer! That’s me! {Big Smile} I am also reminded of Jesus’ admonishment in Matthew 6:24. I cannot serve two masters. I must choose. What supports me are my roots. I can’t see them or feel them. But they are stronger than anything the World has. The storms and others will hurt me. They may even break me, but the roots heal and regrow so, I am stronger.

The scriptures remind me my soul is worth it. Kind of like that commercial “because you’re worth it.” Today I have a new perspective. I am grateful to God almighty for sending his Son to save us because our souls are worth it.

Peace

Milly