Growth: Be Rooted in Christ, not in the World – Colossians 2
SO. MANY. OPINIONS! Everyone has something to say, and everyone has their own version of the truth. If your looking for truth that will remain truth for all times, without fail & without change, it can only be found in the Word. Gods Word is where you’ll find an unshakable foundation that the world can never provide.
Seaweed. Trusting in the world will have you as rooted as seaweed. Much like sea tides, which are ever changing and moving, so is the “truth” of the world. Trying to root yourself according to the standards of the men will result in constant thrashing to & fro. As a result, it’s impossible to be deeply rooted, or to accurately describe what you even stand for. Shifting sand makes for a terrible foundation.
Gods Instruction
God’s clear in His instruction to us when He says that if we claim to be followers of Him, then we are to be rooted (through constant communication and increase of learning) in Christ because men will attempt to deceive us away from the truth. It’s imperative, therefore, that we have the Word rooted in us, so that slick words will not lead us astray.
Root & Reflect
Verse 7 references “Rooted” which means “establish deeply and firmly”; It also calls us to be “built up“…So, from our roots, all the way up to the fruit we produce, we are to reflect God. If we turn to God for direction, correction, and instruction, we can’t be led astray by wrongful advice and deceitful confusion.
Also, take note that from the beginning of time, men have tried to set themselves up to be thought of as wiser (“philosophy“) than God and worthy of unquestionable trust (“empty deceit“) via the same cunning method as the serpent of old. Not much has changed.
Complete in Him
We’re not left on our own, we’re not left to figure out who in the world is telling the truth, and we’re not left in confusion. God is bringing to light & educating us on the ways of the world. But He’s also showing us that there is a cure for the madness. He is the light, He has defeated the lies, and as long as we stay rooted in Him, we don’t have to navigate dishonest men. We simply seek Gods direction in all issues of our life, and wait for His leading.
Final Thought: It’s ok to have an opinion…
We can certainly form opinions, but we need to be aware that men have the capability of deceiving us for their own purposes. The news offers no solutions, it’s simply men trying to get you to view topics through their personal lens. And following Hollywood…well that’s a sure way to get lost!
We also shouldn’t feel the need to loudly and angrily express our opinions for the sake of being right. We run the risk of ruining our testimony, fracturing relationships and hardening our own hearts. If you’re tired of the ever changing “facts” and are truly seeking rest from the raging voices all around you, simply open the Bible.
Root yourself in Gods truth. Don’t be seaweed. Bear fruit that reflects your Father. Don’t be fooled by slick talk. Remember…topics on the news are ever changing, this too shall pass. Also, find a good church and group of friends to keep you grounded and focused.
Much love, tons of giggles & continued grace,