October 29. The Route To Our Roots.

As an entrepreneur or a leader of a family, we are called to grow. We can think about either the family or the business, as a tree. Our team might grow like a tree. How does that happen? A seed or a transplanted root is put in soil. It is cared for by fertilizing, watering, and pruning.

But if the roots do not develop, the plant will not survive. If we do not have a strong why, like our roots, our families and businesses could be stunted or fail. As the tree grows with its root system, it begins to take shape and transform season by season, bearing fruits, seeds, or pollen.

These actions are like the whats of our business. What products and services do you offer? If your roots cannot support the tree, it will likely fail. The tree’s growth might be enhanced when we think about how to harvest, how people might enjoy the shade, and how they might rest or nest in the tree.

Leaders of families show concern by how others will be able to eat and have shelter by providing for them. But without a strong root system the tree will not prosper. What will you spend the remainder of your year working on? Some might choose to rake leaves as they fall from the tree.

Others might think that the tree is going dormant and needs no work or attention. While this might be true, if your roots are not as healthy as they can be it is time to work on improving them. As you look forward, do you see anytime to be spent working on your roots?

Perhaps you can add an irrigation system to them. Maybe you can find a root stimulator. Whatever you do to improve the roots, know that the tree will be affected. What is the first step you can take in the next seven days to improve your roots?

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we too, are growing like a tree. But in our faith, we need to keep a healthy perspective on the why, what, and how. Our faith is based on our root system, our relationship with Jesus Christ.

We read, “It took root there and grew into a low, spreading vine. Its branches turned up toward the eagle, and its roots grew down into the ground. It produced strong branches and put out shoots.” Ezekiel 17:6 NLT. It all starts with the roots. Are we focused on getting ourselves deep with Christ?

Are we soaking our roots in the living water? Are we reading the words of Jesus in the Bible to hold us close to him like the soil grips the roots? I want the comfort of Christ holding me firmly in this world like roots are held in the soil. How are you doing with your roots this week?

Do you need a little water or have some pockets of air where soil could be? What is keeping your roots from being healthier and stronger? Sin, complacency, and even people can restrict our roots from growing. If we want the roots of our faith healthier, we must make the decision to remove the unhealthy influences.

The difficult thing about removing restrictions is that it is some of the most mentally taxing work we can do. The question is, are your roots worth it? What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Father God, you have made the waters deep and the soil abundant. Thank you for such blessings. May you send your Holy Spirit this day so that we might draw near you. Plant us deeply with Christ and enrich our lives.

May we grow and bear fruit so that we might honor you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,