These are the remains of a tree that fell down across my driveway last week, trapping my vehicle at home until my father-in-law was able to come and remove the barrier from my path (God bless him).
If you look closely, you can see decay inside the tree trunk. The tree was dying inside, and its roots were weak. When the soil got a little wet and the winds came, the tree could no longer stand.
In Sunday School last weekend, we read and discussed Colossians 2, and Verses 6-7 prompted me to tell the story of my fallen tree.
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
—Colossians 2:6-7
I think you see where this is going.
A tree needs a strong root system to remain standing. If the roots are compromised, the tree begins to die inside. It’s only a matter of time before it comes toppling down.
The same is true for us. Colossians tells us to remain rooted in Christ lest we fall. It is in Him that we find our strength. It is He who gives life.
Take It a Step Further
Many believers live a life apart from Christ, depending on their Christian roots to save them. While it is true that a tree’s roots are critical to its survival, the same is also true of the leaves which take in light through the process of photosynthesis to make energy/food for the tree.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
—John 8:12
Jesus is the light. If we are not continually soaking up the light of Christ, we starve our spirit, becoming spiritually dead inside.
Take It Even Further
In addition to energy/food, photosynthesis also produces oxygen for other organisms to breathe and survive. Likewise, when believers take in Christ’s light, the fruits of his Spirit flow from us and benefit others.
It is critical that we remain rooted in Christ, walking in close relationship with Him. Our spiritual survival depends on it. With Him, we stand; without Him, we fall.
Reflect
Has your life remained strongly rooted in Christ? If not, what is one step you can take today to strengthen your relationship with Him?
Robin T.
Beautiful!
Brandi Smeltzer
Thank you, Robin! I love deep lessons the Lord sometimes teaches us though seemingly simple or unimportant events in life (like a fallen tree).