Ever tried pulling out a well-rooted weed? You tug and tug, thinking, I've got this. But then—nope. That thing is locked in like it owns the place. That's the power of deep roots. They're not going anywhere. But here’s the thing—if all you have are deep roots with no space to grow outward, you're just a tree standing alone in a walled-off garden. And that’s not how we’re called to live.
Having deep roots means knowing what you believe and standing firm in it. Low walls means not being afraid to engage with others, to listen, and to have meaningful conversations—even with those who think differently. It’s about being secure enough in your faith that you don’t need to build barriers to protect it. Jesus was the ultimate example of this. His convictions were unshakable—He knew who He was, why He came, and where He was going (John 14:6). But look at how He engaged with people! He didn't hide behind theological barricades. He sat at tables with sinners, debated Pharisees, and talked theology with a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4). He wasn’t afraid of dialogue because He wasn’t afraid of the truth.
Paul says in Colossians 2:7, "Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." That’s the goal: be deeply rooted in Jesus, not just in our opinions. When we fear conversations that challenge us, or are easily agitated by those that are different from us, then it might be a sign that our roots aren’t as deep as we thought. But when we’re truly anchored in Jesus, we can welcome discussion, knowing that truth has nothing to fear.
So, what does this mean for us? It means we hold fast to what matters—grace, truth, love—while making space for honest conversations. It means we don’t build walls so high that no one can get in, but we don’t let our roots be so shallow that we’re blown over by every passing trend.
Deep roots. Low walls. May we live this out with confidence and grace.
Peace,
Nick
Having deep roots means knowing what you believe and standing firm in it. Low walls means not being afraid to engage with others, to listen, and to have meaningful conversations—even with those who think differently. It’s about being secure enough in your faith that you don’t need to build barriers to protect it. Jesus was the ultimate example of this. His convictions were unshakable—He knew who He was, why He came, and where He was going (John 14:6). But look at how He engaged with people! He didn't hide behind theological barricades. He sat at tables with sinners, debated Pharisees, and talked theology with a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4). He wasn’t afraid of dialogue because He wasn’t afraid of the truth.
Paul says in Colossians 2:7, "Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." That’s the goal: be deeply rooted in Jesus, not just in our opinions. When we fear conversations that challenge us, or are easily agitated by those that are different from us, then it might be a sign that our roots aren’t as deep as we thought. But when we’re truly anchored in Jesus, we can welcome discussion, knowing that truth has nothing to fear.
So, what does this mean for us? It means we hold fast to what matters—grace, truth, love—while making space for honest conversations. It means we don’t build walls so high that no one can get in, but we don’t let our roots be so shallow that we’re blown over by every passing trend.
Deep roots. Low walls. May we live this out with confidence and grace.
Peace,
Nick