When we think of something or someone growing, we almost always refer to the process as “growing up.” Even in spiritual growth, it’s easy to imagine growth as upward movement — fruitfulness, impact, legacy. But Scripture reminds us that lasting growth never begins at the top; it begins below the surface. Like any healthy tree, the Christian life depends on roots. Without them, the faith we profess becomes unstable under pressure.

Paul’s exhortation in Colossians is clear: walk in Christ just as you received Him (Colossians 2:6–7). The invitation isn’t simply to begin well. We are to continue. That word “walk” speaks of an ongoing journey, one foot in front of the other, trusting Him day by day. The deeper truth is found in verse 7: we’ve been rooted in Him. It’s past tense — a spiritual reality already established by God’s grace. But that rooting produces something active: we are built up, strengthened, and become increasingly more established. The Christian life is planted (past tense), progressing (present tense), and preparing a believer for eternity in becoming more like Christ (future tense).

In the ancient world, roots symbolized permanence. A tree with deep roots could survive harsh winds, droughts, and even attacks on its trunk. The root system wasn’t something admired publicly. The system was essential privately, meaning it wasn’t seen but it was critical to the life of the tree. Similarly, spiritual rootedness isn’t about outward performance or flash like Jesus’ examples of the Pharisees; it’s about inward dependence in our “secret” places where we spend time with Jesus.

Ephesians 3 opens this concept further. Paul prays that believers be “rooted and grounded in love,” able to grasp the immeasurable dimensions of Christ’s affection. This rooting in love isn’t a sentimental, gushy love. It’s structural, forming the very core of one’s Christian life. It’s what allows believers to withstand disappointment, persecution, and uncertainty. When identity flows from Christ rather than comparison, worth remains stable even when circumstances aren’t.

John writes that those who receive Christ are given the right to become children of God. It’s not by effort or “working for it,” but by spiritual birth. Our roots begin there: in regeneration. Like newborn trees placed in healthy soil, we’re invited to draw life from His Word, wisdom from His presence, and strength from His Spirit. Our walk with Jesus is strengthened only when our roots go deep into God’s rich soil so we can stand firm when attacks come.

But even rooted believers face the temptation to shift their footing. Paul warns in Romans 11 not to boast about our spiritual position, because “you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” It’s a humbling reminder that all fruit, all growth, all grace begins and ends in Christ and not in our own efforts.

Jeremiah paints the full picture: the one who trusts in the Lord is like a tree planted by water, sending out roots that remain nourished, even in seasons of drought. In other words, circumstances don’t dictate or alter growth. It’s our rooted connection that results in growth. When our soul stretches toward Christ daily, we remain healthy no matter what news, conflict, or pressure surrounds us.

So how do we become rooted in Christ practically?

First, we commit to consistent rhythms: prayer, Scripture, worship. These aren’t just routines but root-strengtheners. Second, we examine what subtly uproots us. Things like comparison, busyness, and fear can divert or stunt our roots. Ask the Spirit for clarity and courage to pull those weeds. Third, we pursue deeper connection with Christ through surrender. Rootedness doesn’t come through being passive. It requires spiritual alignment, keeping our self-will under submission to the Spirit’s will, and finding supernatural strength in Him.

This week, consider reflecting on where your spiritual roots currently lie. Are they shallow, reaching for surface approval or comfort? Are they tangled, wrapped around competing loyalties or unresolved pain? Or are they forging deeper into grace, truth, and love?

Try journaling a spiritual root inventory. Ask: What strengthens your walk with Christ? What weakens it? What needs tending, pruning, fertilizing?

Because in God’s design, fruit is never first. Fruit cannot happen unless there is a healthy root system. Before we grow upward, we must push downward. Before we bear fruit, we must be rooted in Christ. And once we are, nothing can shake us. Not drought. Not delay. Not even death. God is the Source, and we are His planting — cared for, fed, and loved on so we can bear His fruit.