God The Builder: Rooted In Christ
Are you rooted in Christ? I’m sure every Christian has heard that question or phrase before—rooted in Christ, firm in Christ, standing in Christ. But what do these words mean? What exactly are you doing if you are rooted in Christ?
Let’s begin by defining the word root. A simple search in Google will tell you that a root is the part of a plant which attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant.
Pretty straightforward, right? Another definition of root is the basic cause, source, or origin of something.
Considering this, we can say that to be rooted in Christ is to be attached to Him, drawing our nourishment from Him as our source and our origin.
Christians come from God. We were created in His likeness and in His image [Genesis 1:26-27] and we carry His Spirit—the Holy Spirit—within us [Romans 8:9]. Christ Jesus is our origin, so to be rooted in Him we must first acknowledge and recognize Him as our source—as our beginning.
Remember the scripture from John 14:20 NIV On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
As Christians, we are in Christ and Christ is in us! Do you understand what that means? This means that God is always with us, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us [Philippians 4:13], that we are victors not victims!
Vay, if we are in Christ once we become saved, doesn’t that mean we are automatically rooted in Christ?
Not exactly.
Let’s take a look at this scripture, Jeremiah 17:7-7 NIV, But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
See that the verse says blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. So being rooted in Christ is more than simply being saved; it is also trusting in Jesus. When you are rooted in Christ, as the scripture above says, you will not fear when heat (that’s trials and tribulations) comes and you will have no worries in a year of drought. The Word also says you will never fail to bear fruit!
Yet, there are many Christians walking around with worries, doubts, and fears. There are many Christians living defeated lives despite being saved. Why is this?
It is because some Christians are saved but they are not drawing nourishment from Christ.
There are Christians out there who believe that God is there provider but then go on to take out loans they know they cannot pay back and sink themselves further into debt. This is not Christlike! When you are rooted in Christ, you not only believe that God is your provider, but you trust that God—Jehovah Jireh—will provide for you!
Listen, my friend, we are saved by grace. This means that we are covered under the Blood of Christ Jesus and we are qualified for all the blessings and the outpouring of favor that Jesus Christ died to give us on the Cross. We deserve nothing but because of God’s grace, once we are rooted in Christ, getting all our nourishment and wisdom and guidance from Jesus, we can receive everything we ask for and more.
So, what happens when you aren’t rooted in Christ?
I think Matthew 13:6 NIV answers that question beautifully.
But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
When you are not rooted in Christ you will not last long in this world. The Word says not only will you be scorched, but you will wither as soon as the sun comes up. We know the sun coming up is a reference to trouble or trials in our lives. I’m sure you know a Christian who disappears from church as soon as times get tough; instead of hunkering down in the Word, they run off to find a solution in every other place and person but Christ.
You will not find peace in the solutions offered by the world. Christ is your solution—not a self-help book, not an anonymous therapy group, not stress relief pills, not a special and complicated diet. When you are rooted in Christ, you have the only solution you need for every problem you will face.
Let’s also look at John 15:5 NIV I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Jesus clearly states that He is the vine. Christ is our source of spiritual nourishment but notice how Jesus says if in this verse—if you remain in me. That means some Believers may drift away from the Lord; some Christians do not remain in Christ, even worse, some aren’t even aware they have fallen away.
Now, read the second half of that verse; apart from me you can do nothing. This means you will not find prosperity, love, peace, joy, good health, etc, if you do not remain in Christ.
But, Vay, there are plenty of people who aren’t Christians and they have all these things.
Do they?
Sure, you can see a celebrity smiling as they stand on the red carpet in an expensive suit. But is there true happiness behind that smile? Is there peace when they sleep? Did they buy that expensive suit or was it given to them by someone who knows their secret financial struggles?
Every word in the Bible is truth. No matter what the world tells you, if you do not have Jesus then you have nothing.
So what does it mean to be rooted in Christ?
It means you are wholly dependent on Jesus. You have placed your complete self and your complete trust in Christ your Lord and Savior, and you draw on Him in every part of your life for everything you may ever want or need. When you are rooted in Christ, He is the center of your life. Everything you do revolves around Him; your faith bleeds into your work, your family time, your fun. Even when you are relaxing, listening to music, you are aware of the presence and favor of God in your life.
When you are rooted in Christ, you are built on a foundation that cannot be uprooted. You are unshakeable.
Now be blessed, in Jesus’ mighty name!