I am firmly rooted and built up in Christ.

Because I believe Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead, I am firmly rooted and built up in Christ. What does it mean to be rooted and built up in Christ? Colossians 2:6-7 uses these terms, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Being rooted in Christ means your faith is firm and will hold you in the storms of life, you are being continually fed by Christ through your faith in Him, and that you desire your roots of faith to grow you into a mighty tree for Christ that is visible to the world. Paul adds to this idea in Ephesians 3:17, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love”. Being rooted in Christ connects and established you in His love and gives you a testimony for the world to hear and see. The second phrase in the Colossians verse talks about being built up in Christ. The Amplified Bible adds this “now being continually built up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established in your faith”. The building up is what we refer to as the process of sanctification– growing more and more like Jesus through His indwelling Holy Spirit. The result of being rooted and built up is a heart that is filled to overflowing with thankfulness.

So does that describe you? Are you rooted and built up in Christ? Does your heart overflow with thankfulness? Since Lent is a time of prayer and reflection, think about your roots. Do you need to seek a Bible study, attend an adult Sunday School class, or link into some podcasts that will help build your faith? Also does your faith in Christ make your life overflow with thankfulness? If not, seek guidance in prayer from the Holy Spirit to refine and re-tune your faith. God wants us to grow more and more like Jesus so we can witness to a lost world and glorify Him in our lives. Take steps to be closer to Jesus today.