Rooted in Christ

 

"Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught,and overflowing with gratitude." Colossians 2:6–7

Not long ago, I had a conversation with someone who truly loved gardening. As they shared their passion, I was reminded how much goes on beneath the surface of a plant—how much we never see. My friend told me, “Under every tree, you will find an elaborate and fascinating system of roots.” That imagery struck me deeply.

Curious, I looked into it further. I found that roots are far more than just anchors in the soil—they are lifelines. They draw in essential nutrients, water, and oxygen. They stabilize the plant in storms. They store nourishment for difficult seasons. In other words, if a plant’s roots aren’t healthy and deep, the rest of it cannot survive, much less thrive.! What a powerful image of our life in Christ!

Rooted and Built Up in Him

Paul’s words in Colossians 2:6–7 remind us of the foundation of the Christian life. Just as we received Jesus Christ as Lord—by faith, with humility, in dependence, we are to *continue* in Him the same way. Not with self-effort, but by staying connected to our source.

We are to be *rooted* in Him—meaning our lives are to draw from Him constantly. Not occasionally. Not only on Sundays. But daily, deeply, consistently.

·       When the winds of life blow—whether it’s sickness, loss, uncertainty, or fear—it is only the roots that hold us firm.

·       When the spiritual drought comes, it is the unseen root system of trust, prayer, and Scripture that keeps our faith green and alive.

Just as a gardener places each plant in the right soil for maximum growth, so God has planted us in Christ. And Christ, in turn, nurtures us with His Word, His Spirit, His presence, and His love.

Established in Faith

The more rooted we are, the more *established* we become. This is not about being perfect, it’s about being grounded. Just as a tree with deep roots can bend but not break in a storm, a believer rooted in Christ can stand firm through hardship.

Paul adds that we are to overflow with *thanksgiving*. Gratitude is the fruit of someone whose roots are drinking deeply from the well of grace. The more we grasp what Christ has done for us, the more grateful we become—not just in good times, but even in seasons of trial.

Letting Jesus Be the Gardener of Our Soul

Jesus is not only the soil we are planted in—He is also the gardener who cares for our souls. He prunes what needs cutting. He waters with compassion. He nurtures with truth. He is patient, persistent, and passionate about your growth.

Jeremiah 17:8 paints a beautiful picture of a person who trusts in the Lord: "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."

You were not meant to survive on your own strength. You were meant to *abide* in Him—to let your roots go down deep into Christ.

Reflection and Application

·       Are your roots in Christ healthy and deep, or shallow and struggling?

·       Are you regularly drawing nourishment from His Word?

·       Are you allowing Him to stabilize and strengthen you during storms?

Perhaps today is the day to stop merely surviving and start thriving by choosing to abide in Jesus more intentionally. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord use these words to renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo