Taproots
Genesis 49:25 The Almighty…blesses you with blessings of the heavens above (and) blessings of
the deep that lies below.
The art of raising miniature trees, known as bonsai, was developed by the Japanese. To create
a miniature tree, the taproot is cut, forcing the tree to live on only nourishment provided by the
little roots growing along the surface of the soil. The tree lives, but it does not grow. Trees
dwarfed in this way reach a height of only twelve to eighteen inches.
The taproot of a tree is part of the root system that goes deep into the soil to absorb essential
minerals and huge quantities of water - sometimes several hundred quarts a day. Taproots
grow deepest in dry, sandy areas where there is little rainfall. The root system of a tree not
only nourishes the tree but provides stability, anchoring it securely into the ground, so it can
not be blown over by strong winds.
The root system is a good analogy for the Christian life. Richard J. Foster wrote, “Superficiality is
the curse of our age… The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent
people or gifted people, but for deep people.”
How do Christians grow deep in their spiritual lives? In the same way a taproot grows deep- in
search of nourishment that will cause it to grow. In modern culture, Christians have to seek out
spiritual food that will result in spiritual maturity. Regular times of prayer and Bible study,
individual and corporate worship, serving others, and Christian fellowship are just some of the
ways Christians can grow deep roots.
What are the benefits of depth in our spiritual lives? Like the tree:
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We will be able to stand strong – “The righteous cannot be uprooted”. Proverbs
12:3
We will be fruitful – “The root of the righteous flourishes”. Proverbs 12:12
Seek the Lord daily, so you can grow deep in your faith and bear much fruit for Him.
A devotion taken from Quiet Moments with God for Teachers.