Growing Deep Roots

I enjoy working in my yard but sometimes I can be downright lazy about the less desirable tasks like raking leaves or digging holes.  As I've gotten older, those jobs just take a toll on this body and I had been putting off planting some shrubs and a tree that I purchased knowing that I needed to devote enough time and energy to the project to do it correctly.   I finally buckled-down and got those plants in the ground last week but as any good gardener knows, just getting them in the ground is harder than it looks.  Planting correctly is more about what you don't see than what you do see.  Digging the hole to the correct depth and width,  loosening the soil below and around the planting site to facilitate good root growth is harder than it looks.  After all, growing deep roots is critical to the long term survival of most trees and shrubs.

That's also true of growing a flourishing and long-lasting faith.  The roots of our faith must grow deep into the source of it strength if it's to reach it's potential and weather the storms of our lives.  I think that's what the Apostle Paul was talking about in his letter to the church in Colosse when he instructed them them about the importance of letting their roots grow deep.  (Colossians 2:6-7 NLT)  A shallow root system is source of many of our problems regarding issue of faith and that shallow root system results from inadequate preparation of the soil of our lives.  I wonder how many of our struggles are because we are not deeply rooted in Christ, the source of our faith?

So how do you and I grow deep roots?  We do it by firmly planting ourselves in the truth of scripture and continually drawing our strength from the source of all strength  . . . Christ.  We grow deep roots by being obedient followers of Christ, studying the Word, and living our lives like we believe it.

What are other ways that you and I can grow deep roots?