Deeply Rooted

Ephesians 3

When God created the world, He planted a great variety of trees, plants, and flowers all over the earth. Many tress and other types of flora are good for food, and offer a variety of other beneficial uses, but the most important part of any tree or plant is, it’s roots. According to easytogrowbulbs.com, the roots of a plant have several important functions. The roots anchor the plant in place, resisting the forces of wind and running water or mud flow. The root system takes in oxygen, water and nutrients from the soil, to move them up through the plant to the stems, leaves and blooms. Roots often store the energies created by the plant through photosynthesis, to make them available to the plant as it is needed. Plant roots also stimulate and support microorganisms in the soil that benefit plant life.

Roots are vital to the survival and overall wellbeing of plant life, but what the roots are planted in, is the major benefactor in what it can bring forth. Jesus spoke a parable in Matthew 13 that reads, “Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.”

When roots are planted in good ground, the probability of the tree bringing forth fruit is extremely high, but when tress are planted in unfavorable areas, they’ll bring forth little to no increase. When those who claim to be sons and daughters of God have their hearts rooted and grounded in love, they’ll undoubtedly bring forth much fruit for the kingdom of God. But, to those who have set their affections on things below, including money, power, wealth, careers, cars, or celebrity, they’ll never be fit for God’s kingdom. Although many aren’t rooted in God’s love, they have been blessed with limited time to get their hearts right with the Father. Are you deeply rooted in love, or are you planted in unfavorable, and unprofitable ground?

Suffering leads to endurance, character, hope

Romans 5:1-5

According to sempervirens.org, local coast redwood trees can grow to 300 feet or more, compared to the tallest pine tree at 268 feet, or the tallest tanoak at 162 feet. Redwoods create the strength to withstand powerful winds and floods by extending their roots more than 50 feet from the trunk, and living in groves where their roots can intertwine. Redwoods live so long, and are treasured for building, because they are extremely resistant to insects, fire and rot. A redwood’s bark can be one foot thick, and it contains tannin which protects the tree from fire, insects, fungus and diseases.

While the great redwood trees are strong, massive in height, and can withstand severe weather and other extreme conditions, they first had to overcome being a seed, buried in the dirt, before they could exhibit all their desirable attributes. Many today wonder why God allows them to suffer, but certain situations are scheduled in our lives so that we can develop, and grow stronger from every trial or circumstance we face. Even in moments when it seems as if we’ve been buried in the dirt by our suffering, God works on us, in our suffering, so that we can mature in our spiritual endurance, character, and hope of His glory. Similar to the redwood tree that grew tall and firm out of the dirt, we too can be elevated from our negative circumstances, and allow God’s glory to shine through our lives. The problem most Christians have is, they complain whenever hard times come. Instead of complaining, believers should embrace their unfavorable moments, the same way an athlete embraces vigorous training, because the more they endure, the stronger they become.

The more rooted we become in Christ, the stronger our foundation will be; thus positioning us to be able to withstand all the trials and tribulations life may throw at us. As you go through seasons of suffering, rejoice in them, knowing that if God allowed it to happen, there’s a reason for it, and you’ll benefit greatly, if you endure till the end.

Walk in love,

Ell

Masters and slaves together

Ephesians 6:5-9

As a child, whenever I heard the word slavery, my mind would instantly think of the 1977 TV mini- series, Roots. This was a story about a young African boy who was sold into slavery, and went through a series of unpleasant events throughout his journey to the Americas. Slavery carries a bad stench, as many throughout the centuries have been bought, sold, used, abused, and even killed because of the greed of men. Although slavery, as depicted in American history books carries a bad stench, it wasn’t always a system rigged to take advantage of a person’s rights and freedom.

In Scripture, slavery was actually a part of certain societies, as men would hire workers to care for their lands, while they received honest pay for their labor. Those who served, and worked under masters were commanded to be obedient to them, with fear and trembling, as if they were rendering service unto Christ. In the same manner, those who hired men to work for them were required to act in the same affectionate manner toward their servants. Contrary to what is depicted in history books, masters weren’t permitted to threaten their workers, nor treat them in a disrespectful manner. In fact, they were to always fairly compensate those who worked under their supervision.

Modern-day slavery is now considered working for the “man”. Unless a person is prospering from the amazing benefits of entrepreneurship, everyone else is more than likely working for a specific company or business. As a believer, we are commanded by God to work diligently for our bosses, whether they deserve our best, or not, because everything we do, we are to do it as unto the Lord. Although every day won’t be a breezy walk in the park, Christians are still expected to render cheerful service to men, and those who pay us to work. How often do you see men who claim to be “saved” act out in ways that would make God shake His head? Being full of God’s Spirit helps the believer maintain the character of Christ, as they maneuver through worldly work environments. Even in situations where a person isn’t being fairly compensated for their work, one must recognize that while men may not render just pay, God will always take care of His children.

While being a good employee is expected of the believer, it’s more important that the Christian who serves as a boss, or superior, treat their workers just and fair as well. What better way to show an unbelieving world how a child of God operates, than to do it from a position of authority? I must admit, there are many so-called Christians who misrepresent godliness, because they’ve allowed money and power to go to their heads, but when God blesses you to be in a position to give orders and make decisions, you should try hard to do all things with respect and love. Just as God shows no respect of persons, we shouldn’t treat any of our workers different than the other.

Walk in love,

Ell