“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on
him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and
you will overflow with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:7, NLT)
In looking at this verse, it seemed like it needed to be worked
backwards. If I want to overflow with thanksgiving, then my faith needs
to grow. For my faith to grow, my life needs to be built on Him, and for
that to occur, I need my roots to grow deep.
So why talk about roots? Roots matter and I was recently reminded of their importance:
- It is the means by which water is absorbed. As our roots go deep in Him, we are promised, “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14, NIV).
- It is the means by which we are anchored to the ground and supported. “Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls” (Hebrews 6:18-19, NLT).
- It is the storage place of food and nutrients. “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight” (Jeremiah 15:16, NLT).
- It is the means by which fruit is produced. “But they [those with deep roots] are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” (Psalm 1:3, NLT)
“Paul uses thankfulness as a litmus test of Christian health.” (New American Commentary, Volume 32, page 248).
Deep roots of faith are evidenced by gratitude
for all God has done and continues to do for us each day.
for all God has done and continues to do for us each day.
Photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash
These are such great analogies! That's a good thing to pray for each other, too, especially those young in the faith--that we'd be rooted and built up in him. Funny, I've often read this verse focuses on the first part and glossing over the thankfulness part. That was eye-opening for me this morning!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, the Scripture was eye opening to me as well. Familiarity can cause me to scan over a verse quickly and miss a nugget within the verse. Thank you for encouraging me today!
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