I love trees. It is one of the reasons I love to travel so much. There are trees everywhere…tall trees, leafy trees, huge shade trees, and trees that can hold big tire swings! So last summer, I took a trip up the heart of our state to visit some redwood trees.

I found out a bit about these behemoths of nature. It seems that some of them can grow to be over 300 feet high. To help secure that massive weight, they often have a root system that goes over 10 feet deep.

But the thing that fascinated me the most was the reality that those trees also send roots out sideways! Their roots will spring out in several directions and spread over 100 feet. And as they spread out, they also interlace with the roots of other trees.

As you might imagine, that makes for a very stable and secure foundation for all the trees in that stand.

Redwood trees have much to teach the body of Christ. Believers are also encouraged to grow and mature. We are asked to stretch, sprout, improve and try new things. And we get to do all that within the safe and fortified environment of other believers.

We too get to put out roots down deep, deep into the rich soil of God’s Word. We settle into our foundation with confidence, as our roots co-mingle with our spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ. We are strengthened by their care and concern.

Paul harped on this theme a bit in the book of Ephesians. He kept using the term “one” to make his point. We are one body, under one Spirit, with one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all. (Eph. 4:1-6)

That oneness means that we are to be built together is such a manner that there are no longer any barriers between us. Our roots run together. And when they do, we are all stronger for it.

So next time you see one of those magnificent redwood trees, think about their root system. Marvel at how it serves them well. And remember that the body of Christ is served in a similar manner.

We need each other. We have each other. We can and should encourage each other.

So, this week, find a brother or sister that is lagging a bit and saunter along with them for a while. Remind them that they are connected to you. Pray for them. Love on them a bit. Assure them that your strength is their strength too.

Let’s let our roots co-mingle a bit!