You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.
Colossians 2:7 ERV
Have you ever considered the importance of having strong roots in your life, much like a deeply rooted tree by a river? Colossians 2:7 reminded us of the significance of depending on Christ for our spiritual nourishment and strength. Just as we were taught the truth, we are encouraged to continually grow in our understanding of it. Likewise, we must maintain a heart of gratitude toward God. This verse draws parallels to the parable of the Sower. In this parable, one category of seed fell on rocky ground and withered due to a lack of deep roots. In the same way, our journey as Christians depends on the depth of our connection with Christ.
Reflecting on the parable of the Sower, we see that initial growth can be impressive, much like the plants that sprouted rapidly on rocky ground. However, without deep roots, they withered when tested by the sun’s heat. Similarly, many have embraced Christ into their lives, but the depth of their connection with Him determines their endurance. A correct Christian is not merely about displaying external signs of Christianity but about nurturing a profound relationship with Christ.
Colossians 2:6-7 in the AMPC translation emphasises the importance of this deep-rootedness: “As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.”
The secret to enduring faith and a fruitful Christian life lies in cultivating deep roots in Christ. We should nourish our outward actions (the “leaves”) others see with the spiritual nutrients drawn from our roots in Christ. This is where many falter. They may initially show zeal and perform good deeds. But when trials come, they discover their strength to be shallow and ‘dry up’. This is because they have generated it themselves, rather than finding their root in Christ.
Christ offers an eternal source of strength, like a never-ending river of living water. By depending solely on Him, we can draw life, sustenance. Even in the midst of life’s trials and challenges, we can find refreshment. Just as a tree planted by the waters spreads its roots by the riverbank, we too can flourish. We can remain fruitful and unshaken even during seasons of drought.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (AMP) beautifully illustrates this: “Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord And whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord. For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters, that spreads out its roots by the river; And will not fear the heat when it comes; But its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought nor stop bearing fruit.”
In conclusion, as we reflect on Colossians 2:7, let’s remember the importance of deepening our roots in Christ. It’s not about surface-level Christianity but about drawing our strength, sustenance, and life from Him. By doing so, we become like the tree by the riverbank, flourishing in all seasons, unafraid of life’s challenges. Instead, we will continually bear fruit. Let us remain rooted in Christ and live out a life that reflects our unwavering dependence on Him.
