Be Rooted in Christ

Rick Terletzky
Nov 10
2 min read

Colossians 2

[6] Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, [7] rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. [8] See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

There are many things that come alongside believing and following Jesus. There is the culture of the church, traditions of our families, theological discourse, and even the fruit of ministry, but none of them is a replacement for Christ.

It is easy for us to sidetrack our faith; to dig its roots in the emotional and impactful outcomes of faith. However, if we are looking to be fed by results, then where are the nutrients coming from that we need to produce those results? Chasing the appearance and ideals of a life of faith to fulfill us is missing an important ingredient… the one who is life.

It is Jesus alone who creates and sustains life.

(Just recall what was said in chapter one.)

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose trust is the LORD.

8He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

for its leaves remain green,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah17:7-8

Rooted

Like a tree, our faith needs to be rooted in an external source that can provide proper nourishment to spring forth life, grow, and mature us into something we were not before. Jesus is not something we maintain. He is someone whom we receive and live by. He is someone who has the power to change us; worthy of being rooted, built up, and established in.

Built Up

The Christian faith should not be reduced to a lifestyle, but rather a life abiding in Jesus as our Lord. The branch without the vine can do nothing but wither and die. A tree with shallow roots will be carried away come the next windstorm. They may appear strong and lively, but just give them time.

Established

When we put our trust in Jesus as the way of salvation, His Word as truth, and the Lord over our lives, it will lead us to a strong, unwavering faith that delights in gratitude.

The greatest insight of these verses is observing the quick mention of all of this being taught. The call to authentically hold onto Christ, Himself, as the true source who strengthens our faith is something that is taught to us. Not just taught by Jesus, who has given us His Word, but all that comes alongside. While fellowship and discipleship from the church family has the potential to distract, its purpose in our life is to teach; to point to Jesus Christ as the only nourishment that can give us everlasting life.