If the Root is Holy, So Are the Branches

This post is for the overthinkers and perfectionists like me.

During my Romans Bible study, I stumbled across a striking verse in chapter 11, where it says, "if the root is holy, so are the branches."

This caught my attention because of it's simplicity. Like of course, cause and effect, if the roots are healthy or beautiful or holy, then the branches would follow suit and grow in the same way. Or, if the roots are rotten, unhealthy, or weak, then the branches would reflect that.

The same is with our faith.

I found this to be so encouraging to me because it called me to focus on my roots instead of all of the branches and fruit that I want to see in my life. I can get so easily distracted by behaviors, habits, relationships, decisions, etc, that I miss the whole point - my roots and my foundation - of being in an intimate relationship with Christ. My attention gets diverted to good things, but good things that were never meant to be my god or my focus in life. I worry that the outward areas of my life aren't good enough, that they're struggling or aren't honoring the Lord, when there's a deeper problem: a lack of attention to the root of my life.

I've said it a million times and I'll say it again because I have to remind myself of this, but God does not expect us to figure everything out. He doesn't expect me to have my life or my act together. He expects me to hand over my life and my heart to Him, because HE has HIS act together, and God will so graciously lead me through it. I need to be more concerned with my relationship with Him than any outward fruit, because when my focus turns to Him, the rest will fall into place, and the fruit will form in just the right way and right timing.

We are called to live our lives set apart, choosing to be different than the world instead of following in its footsteps. We have to conciously think about our choices, our words, our actions, and our thoughts, being careful to resist the flesh and walk according to the Spirit. Of course, God wants us to pay attention to the way we're living.

But I would argue that it's even more important to Him that we choose to abide in Him, rest in Scripture and prayer, rather than striving to live the "good" Christian life.

As we do that, as we rely on His strength over ours, the fruit will flow, and our branches will be holy, because we are rooted in the God of the universe and Savior of the world.

What does this look like?

It absolutely looks different for every person, because we each have unique, special relationships with the Father. But the image that God has put on my heart as I think about this and meditate on this is the secret place. I believe God is challenging me to be present in my quiet times with Him, praying authentically and pursuing Him in Scripture with an open heart. I think He wants to train me to lean into Him more and more throughout the day, relying on His love and wisdom instead of my own. God desires for me to be worshipful and thankful, giving Him my praise in my singing, thoughts, service, and heart posture.

For me, it looks investing everything I have into my relationship with Him, and watching how He works in and through me to produce fruit and advance the kingdom.

Because if my root is holy, if I'm planted in grace and truth, then my branches will be holy.

I don't have to worry about manufacturing holiness or a good life. All I have to do is steadfastly plant myself in God, relying on Him above all else, and the rest will fall into place.

I don't know about you, but that is such a relief to me.