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Colossians 2:4-8, I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ.

Paul was very concerned that the people of the Colossian church would be swayed by fancy and smart-sounding arguments.  The arguments of false teachers often sound very convincing.  They typically take a small bit of truth and twist it so that it sounds just right enough that people will be convinced.  Paul knew this.  His goal was for them to grow in their knowledge of Christ, become mature, well-developed disciples, so they would see through the untruths.  If they were rooted in Christ, like a solid tree with deep roots, then they would be less apt to be affected by the winds of false teachings. 

I love this idea of growing our roots deep into Jesus Christ.  If we look at plants, we tend to focus on that which we can see.  We see the trunk, the branches, and the leaves, and they may be very beautiful.  But what's most important is what we can't see - the deep roots which are vital to the health and longevity of the tree.  If a bad storm comes, the tree will stay put because its roots are deep and strong.  Paul wanted the Colossian church to have a deep root system as well, one that was firmly based in Jesus Christ.  If they grew into strong, mature believers with strong roots, then they would be much less likely to be swayed by the fancy, sophisticated arguments of false teachers. 

Historically, we haven't focused on having deep roots.  In fact, our discipleship in most American churches has been quite shallow.  We have required little of our members; we've asked them to simply warm a pew.  Where has that gotten us?  Being rooted in Jesus Christ means so much more than church attendance.  It means reading and knowing God's Word, abiding with Jesus through prayer and Scripture reading.  It means connecting with others for real accountability, listening to others who tell us hard truths about life and faith.  It means serving others with the love of Jesus.  It means giving sacrificially.  And when the strong winds blow, we are ready.  We stay solid and united in Jesus Christ, our roots strong and steady. 

Let's pray...Dear Jesus, Help us stay rooted in you.  How we need you!  We get so distracted with stuff that doesn't matter.  We get wooed by false teachers.  We've become complacent.  Lord, we need you.  Convict us.  Stir a holy discontent within us.  More of you, Jesus, and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.