Nourishing our roots

”As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and build up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

How do we live as disciples of Christ? This verse gives us four simple guidelines to follow.

First, we reach out to Jesus in daily prayer, as He is now living within our hearts. Living with someone means spending time together so we can learn His ways.

Second, we nourish our roots to grow deeper for a strong foundation. Mighty trees have deep roots to support them in turbulent winds and terrible storms. Our roots are nourished with the waters of prayer and the food from studying the Bible. This stabilizes us to face the storms in life.

Next, we draw strength by remembering what we have learned in the past and what we have been taught by others. Their words or the example of how they lived fortifies our faith.

Finally, we give thanks in all circumstances. Gratitude flows easily during good times. But even in difficult circumstances, expressing appreciation renews our spirits.

How do we live for God? He guides our lives through prayer and study, the fellowship of others, and practicing daily gratitude.