The Bamboo Principle: The Unshakeable Foundation of Being Rooted in Christ
- Ray Reynolds, Ph.D.
- May 4
- 4 min read
It’s been somewhat of a joke among our friends and family that we’ve inherited a bamboo forest. Our property has several unique features, including a small bamboo forest on the north east corner of our property. Pictures and descriptions cannot do it justice.
When we first purchased the property we were shocked to find that the stalks were HUGE. We’ve got four large thickets (or groves) that are impossible to miss when walking through our “bird sanctuary.” The largest stalks tower over the trees at close to 40 feet high. They are in bunches that are 10-12 feet thick. Some are 2-3 inches around. When you stand underneath them, you feel like you’ve been transported into another world. Truly amazing!
So, me being me, I had to do some due diligence for the purpose of learning how to maintain these large plants. I also began to research different uses for bamboo. You might be surprised that they are edible and can be used for a host of things from fishing rods to rafts. I also learned that they can be extremely invasive.
Bamboo makes small, but incredibly powerful and consistent efforts to grow. For years, it might not show any significant growth above ground. But beneath the surface, it's developing an extensive root system, growing stronger and more resilient. Then, seemingly suddenly, it shoots up, growing several feet in a very short period. Our thickets are crushing the neighbors fences and leaning across their lawns.
The bamboo root system reminds me that progress isn't always visible. Often, the most important work is happening beneath the surface – learning, practicing, building skills, and developing inner strength. Even when you don't see immediate results, your consistent efforts are laying a strong foundation for future growth and achievement.
Life can feel like a whirlwind. One minute you're basking in the sunshine of success, the next you're weathering a storm of challenges. In those unpredictable moments, we can find an anchor, a deep and abiding source of strength that keeps me grounded no matter how fierce the winds blow. It is our faith rooted in Christ.
Being rooted is more than just attending church, wearing a cross, or reciting prayers. Being rooted in Christ is about cultivating a deep, personal connection with Jesus. It's about allowing His love, His teachings, and His very being to permeate us to the core. Think of it like a the large bamboo stalks in my yard. Its strength isn't just in its visible shoots reaching for the sky, but in the intricate network of roots that delve deep into the earth, drawing nourishment and providing unwavering stability.
* Become Rooted By Diving into His Word: The Bible isn't just an ancient text; it's a living, breathing source of wisdom, comfort, and guidance. Spending time reading and reflecting on scripture allows His truth to sink into our heart, shaping our perspective and informing our decisions. It's like the bamboo drawing water and nutrients from the soil. Which are unseen at the surface.
* Become Rooted By Connecting in Prayer: Prayer isn't just a one-way conversation. It's an opportunity to pour out our heart, share our joys and burdens. It's the vital communication line that strengthens my bond with Him. And when you couple prayer with Bible study… God speaks from the pages of scripture!
* Become Rooted By Fellowshipping with Believers: Being part of a community of faith is like being in a grove of interconnected bamboo. We support each other, encourage one another, and draw collective strength from our shared faith. There's immense power in walking this journey alongside others who understand and share your deepest convictions. We might not notice one small bamboo shoot but stalks that rise 40 feet in bunches nearly 12 feet around will draw attention.
* Become Rooted By Living Out His Love: True faith isn't passive. It's active. It's about extending the same love and grace that Christ has shown us to those around us – family, co-workers, community, etc. It's about bearing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the outward signs of deep roots taking hold.
* Become Rooted By Growing & Spreading Your Faith: The beauty of being rooted in Christ is that it's a continuous process. There are seasons of growth and seasons where I need to dig a little deeper to weather a particular storm. But the foundation remains solid. When doubts creep in, His unwavering truth provides clarity. When fear threatens to overwhelm, His perfect love casts out all fear (I John 4:18). When we feel lost and directionless, His guidance illuminates the path ahead.
Being rooted in Christ doesn't mean I'm immune to life's challenges. In fact, sometimes the storms rage even harder. But it does mean that I have an unshakeable foundation to stand on. It means that even when the shoots are tossed and the leaves are stripped bare, the core of who we are remains firmly planted, drawing strength from the One who is the source of all life.
Keep putting in the work, even when it feels like nothing is happening, because eventually, you might just experience your own "bamboo moment" of rapid and remarkable progress. Let's encourage each other as we continue to grow deeper in His love.
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
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