Read: 2 Timothy 3:10-4:8
GROWING DEEP ROOTS
Deep roots are extremely important for a tree. Why? Because roots that have grown deep into the ground give a tree strength and stability. Like an anchor that holds a ship fast during a storm, deep roots anchor a tree to the ground and keep it from blowing over in a storm. In life, we will face storms, difficult times that will challenge our faith. We will also face worldly ideas and philosophies that will challenge our Christian beliefs and convictions. That is why it is so important for our faith to be rooted deeply in God's Word and a tight relationship with Jesus. So how do we grow deep roots? I believe there are five key steps to growing deep roots: 1.) We must know and understand what we believe and why we believe it. Don't be afraid of the word doctrine. Knowing and understanding the core truths (doctrines) of the Christian faith is essential. 2.) We must make our faith our own. Inherited faith (believing something just because your family believes it) stands on weak, shallow roots and can be toppled easily. Personal faith is the product of the Holy Spirit's conviction, spiritual brokenness and experiencing God's love, grace, and mercy first-hand. These roots grow very deep and are much more difficult to topple. 3.) We must know how to effectively study God's Word and apply it to our daily lives. God's Word is the fertilizer that will make our roots grow deep and strong, so we need to be able to listen to and understand it well. 4.) We must develop healthy spiritual habits that will foster a thriving and enduring walk with God. Just as a marathon runner trains regularly so that he can run faster and further, we too must train regularly to walk closer and further with God. 5.) We must filter the messages of our culture and the media through the lens of God's Word and discern Biblical truth from worldly lies. Our culture and media are always saying something to us, and most of it is not good. We have to be able to weed out the lies so that the Truth can thrive. Now may we, with God's help and guidance, grow deep roots, so that when the storms of life and the lies of the world rage against us, we can stand strong and remain faithful, anchored to the Rock of Our Salvation!
