Rooted in Christ
Scripture
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 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 thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6–7 (NLT)
Paul was writing to believers in Colossae who were being influenced by false teachers. These teachers were saying that faith in Jesus wasn’t enough, that they needed to add religious rules and practices to be truly right with God. But Paul’s message is clear and unwavering: Jesus is enough. Nothing needs to be added.
That does not mean, however, that faith in Jesus is something casual or half-hearted. The word Paul uses here for “Lord” is Kurios, meaning ruler, owner, or master. When you confess Jesus as Lord, you are acknowledging His authority over every part of your life, not just believing He died for the sins of the world two thousand years ago, but believing He is alive today, reigning as King, worthy of your full devotion.
“The life of true holiness is rooted in the soil of awed adoration.”
— J.I. Packer¹
That’s exactly the picture Paul gives us here: “Let your roots grow down into Him.” Roots are what anchor a tree and draw in the nutrients that make it strong. When you stay rooted in Christ by spending time with Him, learning His Word, and walking in His ways, holiness isn’t something you white-knuckle your way toward. It grows naturally out of a heart that’s in awe of who He is.
And when your life is built on Him, something beautiful happens. You begin to overflow with thankfulness. The more you experience His love and grace, the more your heart responds with gratitude. So stay close to Him. Keep growing, keep trusting, and let your roots go even deeper.
Reflection
- What does it look like in your life right now to “continue to follow” Jesus daily?
- What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord over every part of your life, and what area might He be calling you to surrender more fully?
- How can you stay rooted in Christ this week so that your faith grows stronger and your heart overflows with thankfulness?
Prayer
Ask God to help you stay rooted in Christ and built upon His truth. Pray for a heart that surrenders fully to Jesus as Lord and for a faith that continues to grow strong through daily obedience.
Footnote
¹ J.I. Packer, Knowing God (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973).