Charis
Saturday, April 22, 2022
I want to be like a carrot.
Looking at a carrot plant, its looks just like any other plant. It's green, leafy. But we know that it's special, because deeper in the ground is its wonderful orange root that we can eat!
The Root Yields Fruit
Why compare ourselves to a root vegetable? Well, this illustration reminded me a lot of a verse in Proverbs:
"The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the roots of the righteous yields fruit."
Proverbs 12:12 (NKJV)
When I read this verse, I found it so interesting that the verse didn't just say that the righteous have deep roots in God, but that the roots also bear the fruit! Without the root, the plant dies and never does anyone any good. The roots may not be seen on the outside, but they're most important to the plant.
Deep roots in our faith are very important, especially when we help in ministry. Having strong faith shows to those we minister to. So, how do we root ourselves in God? Here are two things, that while obvious, are as crucial as sunlight and water to a plant: prayer and the Bible.
Prayer
Let's call this our sunlight, because prayer and talking with God is like spending time in the Son's light!
I've never really trusted someone I've never talked to, much less giving all my problems to a stranger. God wants to hear from you, and it's such an awesome thing to have Him right there with you to talk with every single moment. The hard part is getting into a habit of praying. I find it easiest for me to have a prayer time right when I wake up, because then I don't risk skipping it at the end of the day, or praying half heartedly because I'm too tired to think. This may vary from person to person. Another thing that may help you talk with God more is when you talk or think to yourself, try to turn it into a small conversation with God. After I started doing this, I not only found it easier to trust in God, but out of habit I also turn to Him first when something upsets or excites me!
The Bible
This part seems to take a little more effort, because we need to set aside time to study the Bible. If we want to be rooted, however, we need this "water", as God's word is often compared to in Scripture (Isaiah 55:10-11). Challenging ourselves to study it in depth and learn it better also is a way of God speaking to us, and gives us answers to things that otherwise may uproot us.
Besides reading the Bible, you may also want to try memorizing some verses too. I can't tell you how many times the verses I've memorized in church ad on my own have helped both me and others! It really is living and effective, and memorizing the Word allows it to work on our hearts even when we aren't reading the Bible, or even focusing on God at the moment.
Rooted And Grounded
Hopefully that gave some ideas! In conclusion, I'd like to share this verse with you:
"that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 3:17-19 (NKJV)
So would you come try to be a carrot with me?
(P.S. And who doesn't love carrots? They even are orange like the KidzAblaze logo!)