Rooted Together

"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." — Ephesians 4:16 

How do giant trees survive massive storms?

I remember losing the transmission in my car at the top of a mountain in Sequoia National Park in Northern California. While I was stuck there, I learned something fascinating about those giant Sequoia trees.

You'd think trees that tall would need deep taproots to anchor them, right? But here's what's interesting: The Sequoia tree, the Birch tree, the Mangrove tree, and Beech tree have root systems that go down, but they also go out. They connect with other trees and graft in with the root system of the other trees.

They share nutrients with the sick trees. They share whatever moisture comes through the soil with the entire grove of trees in that root system. Because their roots are intertwined, when the wind blows and the gale force winds come, the trees have support.

This is similar to a local church. Our one root is in Jesus Christ. Our root system goes out to one another because there is connectivity. There is a sense of support where we are supporting one another.

If there was ever a time when Christians and local churches need to be standing together, with linked arms and linked hearts, it is now. It is very important that you realize this is how God wants a local church to grow.

You were never meant to stand alone. You were never designed to weather life's storms by yourself. God created you for community, for connection, for a root system that links you to other believers.

When you're struggling financially, the body should rally around you. When you're dealing with grief, other believers should carry you. When you're facing temptation, your brothers and sisters should lock arms with you. When you're spiritually dry, others should share their moisture with you.

Stop trying to be a lone tree. Isolated trees fall when the storms come. Connected trees stand strong because they hold each other up.

Get connected. Join a small group. Commit to a local church. Let your roots intertwine with other believers. When the gale force winds of life come—and they will come—you'll have the support you need to stand firm.

Linked hearts are what hold us together.