The image of a 100-year-old tree laying on the ground – roots and all – is surreal. Why would such a magnificent tree be found lying on the ground? A weak root system. The image of this devastating loss can be used to illustrate the damage to our lives and faith when we’re not strongly rooted in Christ.
Colossians 2:6-8 “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit…”. In our culture of social media, alluring novel opinions, and self-help promises, are your roots strong, being rooted in Christ, or weakened by falling prey to the distractions and temptations of the world?
Our lives are most fulfilled when we are rooted in Christ. Three simple steps can help strengthen your root system against the pressures of novel ideas, worldly decisions, and false beliefs: slow down and be thoughtful about what feels off; acknowledge Christ as the only source of fulfillment; and seek to meet your needs in the right places.
Slow Down and Be Thoughtful About What Feels Off
The pace of our lives is faster than any other era in history. Attention spans are shorter, schedules are tighter, and getting consistent, quality sleep is a challenge. God did not intend for our lives to be so busy. He served by example when He rested on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:1-3). Jesus also demonstrated this when He took time out to be alone with God in the midst of His ministry (Luke 5:15, 16).
Why is resting important to God? To stay in a healthy rhythm. When we’re in sync with Him, our minds are more focused, our perspective more in line with His, and we’re more open to His guidance. Alternately, when we allow life and distractions to keep us spinning, we’re prone to fixating on the wrong priorities and following harmful ideologies.
Even if you’re caught up in the break-neck speed of the culture right now, there are ways to find a healthy rhythm. Be intentional about seeking God’s guidance for your life. Quiet your mind and set your heart on Him. Prayerfully ask what areas of your life really need your focus and what activities you need to reduce or eliminate. While you’re focused and open-minded, consider your own feelings about your rhythm and activities. What are you at peace about? What are you unsettled about and why?
Some of the answers we seek from God are revealed to us when we simply slow down and examine the state of our hearts (and ask God to examine our hearts as well). We just have to be honest and open enough to do the work..
Acknowledge Christ as the Only Source of Fulfillment
We may think that doing things we enjoy will balance or offset the challenges and busyness of our lives – as if doing more will provide the restoration and peace we’re really looking for. While helping others or volunteering at church are good things, they don’t count as slowing down to spend time with God.
Being intentional about developing a consistent quiet time with God leads to the fulfillment and balance we all need. It’s not easy to do that every day – sometimes we have to fight to keep that rhythm, but even when life gets unavoidably chaotic, setting our minds on God for five minutes helps to keep us centered.
Keep your mind and heart rooted in Christ and the distractions that vie for your time will begin to be less important, and you will begin to be more fulfilled.
Related article: How Do We Know Who to Trust in the Age of Voice Overload?
Seek to Meet Your Needs in the Right Places
There are pressures in culture to “fit in” and take control. Are your social channels up to par? Do they represent how you want the world to see you? Do you feel the need to participate in activities or say certain things to be perceived in a certain way? Do you do everything within your power to maintain control of your life? All of these things are efforts to meet personal needs – fill voids in your life, or meet longings to be loved, accepted and valued.
To meet the expectations of culture – and to please the world – is impossible. It’s a never-ending (futile) endeavor. The good news is, you don’t have to seek the world’s approval. God loves you for who you are, desires to guide you and develop your faith and character in alignment with Christ, and he wants you to know you are loved just the way you are. Seek after Him – not the world – to discover your worth.
Related Article: How and Anxious Generation’s Faith is Ruled by the Minute
There are so many things in our lives competing for the most important thing – our relationship with Christ. Once we realize that and hold tight to the things that keep us on track, we’ll be equipped to navigate this journey with more peace and confidence than we could ever imagine.
