Dig Deep & Spread Out

A week or so ago I heard Mark Hall from Casting Crowns talking to the DJ of my favorite radio station about their new album that's in the final stages right now. He was discussing the theme of the album which is a two-fold theme. He said half the album is simply about going deeper with God and really discovering Who He is and the other half is about reaching out to others with God's love. He made some really poignant points that have stuck with me and I knew I had to write about it. 

He used the metaphor of roots to explain this concept. There are essentially 3 types of Christians. There's the type that have really deep roots. They are in the Word, they have a pretty strong prayer life. They study and meditate and really soak up everything they can about God and His character. They dig their roots down deep and have a very strong faith but while their roots are deep, they don't quite spread out very far. Then there's the type that have roots that may not be as deep but they spread out. They may not be full on students of the Word. They might not have the intimate quiet time and meditation moments as the previous type, but they can sure reach out. They love God and they express that love wherever they go. They tell others about His love and they give generously. Their roots are widespread; they just don't go down too deep. 

The last type of Christian is the type that we should all strive to be. This type has deep roots that also spread out. They dig deep into Who God is but they also spread that knowledge and love of God around. We need to have deep roots so that we understand Who & what we believe. We need those deep roots to anchor us and feed us. But we also need our roots to spread out.When we spread out, we can reach new soil. We can reach others for Christ. 

I'm thankful that my church home helps to do both. They want us to dig deep into the Word of God and really get to know Him but they also truly desire to see us spread that knowledge and love to those whose roots are still stuck in the world. When I first heard Mark Hall discussing this concept, I felt like I was the 2nd type. My roots were pretty widespread but unfortunately, I didn't go as deep as I needed to or even desired to. Well, this morning in church we took a survey on our personal walks with Christ and I realized that sadly my roots don't go as deep as they need to nor do they spread out very far either. This saddens me...and it should. But, it's not enough to just sadden me. I must do something about it. 

I'm hungry for that intimacy with Christ. I've tasted it before and it is so sweet. Life just gets in the way. Sounds like a pretty lame excuse and when I think about it, it sounds even more pitiful. But, it's the truth. The enemy throws every possible distraction our way to keep us from digging deep and spreading out. Well, I'm not letting him win anymore. I will spend time with God each day digging into His Word, meditating on it, and listening for His still small voice. And I will pray for opportunity to spread that love to others who need it. Just as His love for us is deep and wide, so shall our hunger and thirst and love for Him be. Will you join me? Will you dig deep and spread out? Let's hold each other accountable. 

Image retrieved from http://generationsdiscipleship.com/director/growing-deep-to-go-wide/