Rooted in Christ's Love: Planted in Eden
- Richard Selke
- Oct 28, 2025
- 3 min read
October 29, 2025
LISTEN TO AUDIO
My Dad was a physician. He was also a gardener. Growing up, I was surrounded by the beauty of flowers, all nurtured and cared for with love – each one planted properly in the right location with the right exposure to the sun, fertilized and watered, pruned and protected.
Just as each plant has its own specific DNA to become what it was created to be – a rose, azalea, hydrangea, caladium, camellia, gardenia – the potential to grow into a faithful, fruitful follower of Jesus Christ is within every human soul. We are made in God’s image. The seed of divine life is already there, waiting to be nurtured by His love.
The Bible teaches that God planted humankind in the Garden of Eden. We were created to live in His presence, rooted in His goodness. Though sin separated us from that perfect Garden, Christ came to restore us – to replant us in the soil of God’s grace. As we live our lives, we assimilate physical and spiritual food and water that are akin to our nature.
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener … you are the branches …” John 15:1, 5, NIV. When we stay connected to Him, His life flows through us, feeding and watering our spirits.
But just as plants face enemies – drought, weeds and pests – we face spiritual challenges – temptation, doubt, pride and fear. Left unattended, these can choke out the life God wants for us.
Spiritual disciplines – prayer, meditation, study, confession, worship, service, fellowship and celebration – help us to build proper attitudes and healthy habits while removing destructive and unhelpful ones. These are not chores but means of grace – ways God nourishes and strengthens us. They deepen our roots and help us grow strong and steady in the storms of life.
These disciplines help build our character and spiritual strength to avoid temptation when Satan comes prowling around.
The Apostle Paul encourages us, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7, NIV
When our roots are in Christ, we flourish. We bear fruit that blesses others. And even in seasons of doubt, His living water sustains us. As the roots of our lives grow in Him, we become what He created us to be.
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, let us grow where we are planted, rooted in His love, shining His light and bearing fruit for His Kingdom!
QUESTION
Where are the roots of your life planted today – in the soil of self-reliance or in the living soil of Christ’s grace?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the true Vine, and we are Your branches. Plant us deeply in Your love. Prune what is unfruitful in us and help us to grow strong in faith, hope and love. May our lives reflect Your beauty and bear fruit that glorifies You.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24, ESV
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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