hlester@bellsouth.net

Are any of you gardeners? If you are then you know what a plant that is “Root bound” looks like. I have a Philodendron that is beautiful and I can tell it needs to be re-potted. When I water it, the water drains straight through. The plant has used up all it’s nourishment from the soil and has become “Root bound”. The roots are literally choking the life out of it and in order for it to survive I will have to put it in a larger container. 

Sometimes the roots have to be cut or torn apart to provide space for the roots to grow in their new environment. You may say what has a plant got to do with being a Christian? Good question. Let’s look into the Word of God. 

Ephesians 4: 14-21 – This is Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians and is one of my favorite scripture passages also. Shall we contemplate on these for a while? 

Being “Root bound” can be a very real danger and become a trap for many Christians. We like to be comfortable. We like familiar things and don’t like to leave our comfort zone.  

In order for Christ to work through us however, we have to be taken out of our comfort zone. Sometimes that might even mean leaving a Church we are comfortable in. It is easier sometimes to just go with the flow than it is to make a move even if it is a better one for us spiritually. 

We get attached to our Church, our own Church family and the way our Church does certain things. This is not necessarily bad, but if we are not seeing growth then what does it matter which Church (or Container) you go to. If it fails to allow you to be the kind of Christian you know you need to be, then it might be time for the plant (YOU) to find a new direction. It might feel comfortable, but if it is not feeding you the right kind of food, you will die with want of spiritual malnutrition.  

The Church is like the container my Philodendron came in and sometimes it may be time to change the plant and give it new nourishment in a larger vessel. It can be a painful process, but God is faithful. 

God has a plan for our lives. When we are where we are supposed to be, we will not feel “Root bound” and will be an overcomer for the Kingdom of God.  

Only much prayer will determine what God wants us to do in this situation. I can tell you from experience that sometimes in order for God to really pour out His blessing on you and for you to experience His great love for you, you must be willing to step out on a ledge of faith. You must be willing to give up things that you are holding on to in the name of religion, so that you can truly experience His power in your life. Let’s make sure we are rooted and grounded in His love and not holding on to things that will hinder our growth. 

Copyright 2003 by Rev. Betty J. Lester