In our Growing Up with God series we've talked about planting seeds. Who planted seeds of God in your life and where are you planting seeds today?
Seeds are powerful things. Consider the mustard seed. It is one of the smallest seeds, yet it grows into a large plant. And it is very powerful! Not only does the mustard seed have a strong taste, it is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. An anti-inflammatory, it can help everything from asthma attacks to high blood pressure. Seeds can also produce more than what they start out as. Consider the small acorn that grows into the mighty oak tree.
Yes, seeds are powerful and are producers. But in order to grow, they must take root. Paul tells the church Colossae, "
Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught."
(Colossians 2:7) Roots bring nourishment to the plant. By feeding the plant, the roots help it grow. Roots can store food so the plant can get it when needed. During tough times, a plant with a mature root system will have stored food and water that can help carry it through. Roots also anchor the plant so when it is buffeted by strong winds and heavy storms, it doesn't fall down, but can hold on.
Our children are seeds we have planted in the good soil. It is up to us to help them take root. We are the ones who provide nourishment that will carry them through the tough times. We are to provide experiences to anchor them in their faith when the strong winds and heavy storms rage around them, During hard times, will they be able to remember their ancestors in the faith as Paul does in Hebrews 11? When they need guidance, will they see examples in their own lives of people whose faith has helped them stay rooted? When they need direction will Bible verses come to them out of their memories to apply to situations they find themselves in? Only if we teach them.
It is through talking with our children, reading the Bible, and praying with them that we root them in the soil we have planted them in. It is through sharing focused experiences such as those in our Growing Up with God series and others that we build homes that nourish and root our children's faith.
We'll build a household of faith
That together we can make
And when the strong winds blow it won't fall down
As one in Him we'll grow and the whole world will know
We are a household of faith.
By Steve & Marijean Green
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