How to be fruitful (3)

Paul writes this: “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. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.…you…are complete through your union with Christ” (vv. 6-8, 10 NLT). If you ever visit an Arizona desert, you will find that it is full of different kinds of vegetation. The contrasts are fascinating. The dried-up, brittle tumbleweed blows everywhere. Why? Because it has no roots. By contrast, the saguaro cactus bears fruit even in 130-degree weather. Why? Because its roots go out fifty to sixty feet in all directions. You must have deep spiritual roots if you are going to make it through the “dry spells” of life. Anyone can survive a day or two of drought, but what about extended seasons of stress, grief, lack, illness, and adversity? Whatever your life is rooted to—is what you will draw your strength from. The psalmist writes this: “They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind” (Psalm 1:2-4 NLT). Pray, “Lord, root me deep in You.”