Radicalis: Deepening Your Spiritual Roots

The word ‘radical’ is often seen as being synonymous with words like ‘fanatic,’ and ‘extremist.’ It has a negative connotation, and has come to mean ‘over the top,’ ‘excessive,’ ‘extreme,’ or ‘on the edge.’ However, it comes from the Latin word ‘radicalis’ which means ‘from the roots.’ To be radical means to be ‘rooted in the original.’ As Christian people, we are called live radical lives–to be rooted and grounded in Christ. As the Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 2:6-7; “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Often I have looked in wonder at the large trees at Lemoine Point. The amazing thing is, underneath one of those massive tress is an equally impressive root system, extending the same distance as the height of the tree underground. These roots serve two functions. They provide nourishment for the tree by drawing water and nutrients from the soil and delivering them to the fruit-bearing parts of the tree above ground. Even during a drought, like we experienced this summer, a tree’s roots will burrow deep into the earth–into hard-to-reach places–to seek out moisture so that the tree can continue to thrive and bear fruit. Roots also provide stability and strength, keeping the tree firmly planted in the soil, so that it can grow to its full potential. This steadfast footing also prevents the tree from being uprooted when buffeted by storms and high winds.

In the same way, Paul tells us that if we want to live with a sense of purpose and intentionality, our lives are to be deeply rooted in Christ and His love so that we too can build strength of character and steadfastness of faith. When we grow deep in Christ, we can live tall and large–we can stand firm amidst the storms of life and bear much fruit in our lives. Jeremiah 17:7-8 presents us with a vivid picture of what it means to be ‘radicalis’ or firmly rooted: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”

How do you know when your spiritual roots are deep? It’s simple: There’s fruit! Any gardener will tell you if you cut the root off a plant there won’t be any fruit. Similarly, if we don’t have spiritual roots, we won’t bear spiritual fruit. Are you rooted and grounded in Christ? Are your spiritual roots expanding deeper and broader? This kind of growth doesn’t happen over night; nor does it happen without God. It only happens by God’s amazing grace, as we are rooted and grounded in Christ. So, humble yourself. Be deeply rooted in Christ and built up in Him. Become even more established in your faith. Grow deep. And live tall and beautiful. Be all that God created you to be and bear fruit in His name.

This ten week series will look at how we can be like the tree that Jeremiah describes–how we can become more radical followers of Jesus by deepening our spiritual roots and bearing much fruit in His name.

SERMONS

Sermon: Radical Faith

Preacher: The Rev. Christopher Doering

Date: Sunday, September 23, 2018

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-3; 7-16

Handout: Faith.HO