Trace Your Roots

A number of years ago, I researched my Dad’s family tree.  It was so interesting to see where each of my grandfather’s siblings settled and how their family line developed.  In tracing my family’s roots, I found “every family tree has a little sap” but “like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts.”

The kingdom of God is a hidden and obscure thing.  Much like discovering family secrets, uncovered only with research, the “kingdom of God does not come with observation.” (Luke 17:20-21)  An enemy of the Christian’s life is the endless idea of practical works AND the absence of a personal relationship with Christ. We waste so much time trying to be useful in service and ministry, we miss what’s central – intimacy with The Father. We squander time and gifts to a foolish end of spiritual bankruptcy. The snap and stress of such busyness always comes!  Most trees begin life with a taproot, which develops from a seed forming the primary root.  We enjoy the beauty of a fully developed and healthy tree yet its root system remains hidden to us.  The fruits of a Christian will be obvious to others only when there is private time spent with God.  It’s a Christ-centered root system that enables and empowers Believers to be obedient and effective. It really was fun to trace the family tree and “connect the dots;” to figure out who belonged to who!  It is absolutely essential, however, to real Christ-centered living to make sure we are firmly grounded in Jesus Christ.  Trace your roots!

Miles of Smiles, Beverly