When you gaze upon a beautiful tree you see the verdant leaves and the luscious fruit but you do not see the means whereby the tree is able to grow and become fruitful. A healthy root system enables the health of the tree. People have a tendency to focus on that which is visible but they may ignore the roots. Deeply spiritual people realize the true source of their spiritual vitality and they ensure they have strong spiritual roots.  The Psalmist portrays a stable and fruitful life by giving the picture of a tree,

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:3)

We see the key to health is that the tree is planted by streams of water and the root system is well nourished. King Solomon, the writer of the book of Proverbs, reveals the stability of the righteous person,

A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved. (Proverbs 12:3)

He contrasts the precarious situation of the wicked with the stability of the righteous. Do you sense stability in your life, even when the world seems tumultuous? Strong roots also lead to fruitfulness,

The wicked man desires the booty of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit. (Proverbs 12:12)

The righteous are not concerned with that which evil men possess; they realize that righteousness is its own reward. How do I know I have a healthy root system? Enthusiasm alone is not sufficient. Jesus reveals that those who receive God’s word with great joy do not necessarily have a healthy root system,

In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. (Mark 4:16-17)

Healthy roots are revealed by your response to affliction and persecution. How do you handle the difficulties you face while living as a Christian? It is essential that you develop a healthy root system. This starts with an intimate knowledge of God. As you read and reflect upon God’s word, you come to know more about God.

You also grow spiritually when you experience fellowship with other people. We were created to live in community with one another. We grow more spiritually when we’re connected relationally. God will facilitate your spiritual growth as you implement the means of grace. As you focus on the depth of your ministry, God will take care of the breadth of your ministry. Your responsibility is to abide in Christ and allow your roots to go deep and He will bring the fruit.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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