REAL AND ROOTED
Bernadette Keene
Today's Scripture: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Theme: When we “keep it real” and authentic, unity through Jesus is possible.
SUNFLOWERS
Have you ever noticed the way a sunflower turns its face toward the sun? I used to have a sunflower plant that grew over ten feet! I could see the flower peeking at me over the top of my garage when I was pulling in. It was fascinating to watch the growth from seed to full grown flower. During the process, I learned about a fancy scientific term called Circadian Rhythm, a process that is governed by the plant’s internal biological clock. Scientists discovered that when a sunflower was restricted from moving toward light, the plants’ growth was stunted.
For a sunflower to reach its maximum height, the seed should be sown directly into the final garden spot, ensuring that the long tap root grows strong and becomes anchored firmly. The flower must be watered deeply to guide the root to chase moisture down into the earth, creating a sturdy foundation to support the heavy load of the stalk. Sunflowers track light for maximum growth. The flowers naturally track east and follow the sun throughout the day to face the west. Sometimes on cloudy days, the flowers will turn and face each other to share energy. When a sunflower dies, it leaves seeds behind, and the cycle continues.
PEOPLE
Like sunflowers, people need light to help them grow. Extensive research has been done in environmental medicine that proves that exposure to light is necessary for human beings to thrive. Sound familiar? God created life this way, a “divine design.” “Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20b, NLT). He is not trying to hide from us; He wants us to notice Him!
So, we know that both plants and people need sunlight to live, but there is a deeper spiritual truth that is demonstrated through these scientific processes. That’s where we come in. As believers, we are to be rooted in truth and real in our relationships. We have the light of Christ living within us and have been commanded to shine that light into the world, sharing the Good News of salvation. With our roots anchored deep in the Word of God, we can shine light on others by offering an encouraging word, meeting the needs of people who are struggling, feeding people, visiting the sick, jumping in to help when we are able, praying for others, and reminding people they have not been forgotten. Loving God and loving people: this is our calling. Just like a sunflower, when people are in darkness, we can turn toward them and offer them the light and hope of salvation through Christ, planting a seed that will take root, grow, and be passed on.
Make It Personal: In what ways can you walk in the light of Christ? Today, look for opportunities to make someone smile, to remind someone that they are valued and loved, meet a need or offer a random act of kindness, or invite someone to church. You could be that one spark that shines truth and hope into someone’s heart today.
Pray: Father, thank You for the gift of Your light and grace that connects us to You and to each other. Help us walk in the light by keeping our relationships real and honest. Root our hearts deeply in Your Truth and guide us in loving others genuinely. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Read: Romans 12:9-10
Weekly Memory Verse: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:8-9, ESV