Getting to the root of our faith

How many times have we heard Jesus’ parables, but let the rich meaning and teaching flow through our minds without contemplation? I know that many times in my faith journey, the contents of such powerful wisdom have evaded me. Was it a lack of understanding, a lack of spiritual maturity, or even both?

Sometimes I believe we read the same passages in the Bible at different periods in our life, only to receive with new ears and eyes what the Word has for us in each season.

Recently, I read the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. This scripture in the New International Version reads, “¹⁸ “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: ¹⁹ When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. ²⁰ The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. ²¹ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. ²² The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. ²³ But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

How do we want to be rooted? Do we want to easily be discouraged in this world because our roots are not well established? Do we want to be joyful in the good times, but quick to turn our gaze from Jesus when our roads get rocky? Or do we want to persist through life acknowledging our struggles, but fixing our eyes on the One who will see us through until we reach eternity?

Friends, I know how easy it can be to waver in faith when life’s circumstances seem anything but favorable, or downright soul-shaking. But, please listen to me when I avow there is a peace that comes with being a strongly grounded seed that nothing in this world can replace. There is a joy and a hope in the Great Comforter, and He is always waiting for our petition.

If you feel your roots need tending, may I suggest three paths to nourishment?

• Pray – ask God to guide your path to wisdom and enlightenment.
• Read – (or listen to) the Bible and Biblically based audio content that will point you back to Jesus’ teachings and God’s will for your life.
• Plant – if you have not already, I encourage you to find a place to set up roots in a body of faith. From worship services to Bible Studies to faith-based activity groups, start – or restart – where you feel comfortable. Find an environment that will allow you to flourish as you grow. The ability to produce a viable crop can grow exponentially in a healthy faith community.

May I make a challenge to you in this first quarter of 2022? Pick one of the above paths to begin or strengthen. Then, make note of all the ways your roots become fortified day by day. Seeds, by nature, are designed to be the beginning of a beautiful fruit, but they require hydration, sustenance, and light.

Being rooted in grace and grit is not an accidental title – life requires us to be merciful and kind, yet strong and courageous. And, learning can be embraced as a life-long process. I feel blessed that, in Christ, we can strengthen one another and continue to grow together. Thanks be to God, the purest of gardeners.