A Real Relationship

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

Psalm 1:2-3

Many of us have plants, flowers, and other living things decorating our homes. While some people are good at cultivating live plants, others know they're better off with fake plants that require no attention.

A fake plant has no real life. It doesn't require nourishment or feeding and doesn't take much upkeep. It looks nice on the outside, but there are no roots or depth to it. A fake plant won't survive a harsh storm, but a rooted plant will have the depth to revive after nature's fury.

As we enter another year, we've seen that changes will come. Storms are part of all of our lives. One thing that will help us stay rooted in Christ is a real, daily relationship with Him.

Just as a plant's origin is the seed that was planted, so our beginning in Christ is the seed of salvation that we accepted. From that point forward, we begin to grow. Every day we're given the opportunity to grow in Christ through cultivating our relationship with Him.

If you are going to be faithful in the year 2012, you must have a vital, personal relationship with Christ. You must walk with Him, talk with Him, listen to the preaching of His Word, and spend time in prayer. Anyone can play the part and look good on the outside just like fake plants; but if you wish to be rooted in Christ so you can withstand whatever comes this year, you must have a real relationship with Him.

Disappointments will come, people will hurt you, and you'll face challenges this year; but when you are firmly rooted in Christ and daily growing in Him, you can weather any storm you face.