Definition:

Rooted - (Root"ed) adjective.

Having taken root; firmly implanted; fixed in the heart

When Jonathan and I first began our ministry with OMS, we were asked to supply a Bible verse that speaks to us about our ministry. There are a lot of great verses we could have chosen...things about seeing the harvest, showing God's love, or living passionately for Christ, but the verse that stood out in our minds was about something we hold very dearly in our lives: Being rooted.

Colossians 2:6-7 "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Seeing people make a decision to follow Christ is definitely exciting, but what is even more exciting is seeing them live the days following that commitment, growing in knowledge, and becoming firm in their faith.

This past weekend when our family went for a hike, I was reminded of how important roots can be. We were trekking up a steep path in the forest. The trees along the hillside were large and imposing, but over time the rain and water had washed the dirt away from the base of the trees. Their large root system was exposed. Carter began asking questions about why the trees looked so different (seeing their roots exposed) and Jonathan explained to him how the roots were what allowed the tree to stand tall, to grow strong, and to stay in the ground on a steep hillside.

One of the trees on our hike....roots exposed.

And really, we need to be rooted in Christ for the very same reasons. We need to stand tall, when oppression weighs us down. We need to grow strong so that our faith will not be shaken by the trials of life. We need to stay firmly planted when the rains of opposition and worldly thought threaten to wash us in the tide. We need to have God fixed firmly in our hearts. If our roots were to be exposed for the world to see, what would they look like? Would others recognize our source of nourishment? Would they see that on whom we rely? Would we be unshakeable?

Our prayer for ministry here and for your life wherever you are is that you would be firmly rooted in Christ Jesus and built up in Him! He is our life source!