One day, as I was walking along the river through the serene park of a small resort town, I spotted an interesting metal sculpture: the stems of two plants close to each other, while their strong roots were firmly anchored at the base. The title of the sculpture, “Individual Roots, Growing Together,” caught my attention. Although I don’t agree with all of the artist’s philosophy, which is both Christian and shaped by the current world view, the symbolic power of the artwork impresses me. After all, the Creator of heaven and earth designed every plant to draw nutrients from the soil individually and then grow together with others.
This principle can also be applied to us humans – as individuals and within the community. The key, however, is in what we are “rooted” and where we “grow.” Do we allow ourselves to be shaped by the spirit of the age or by the eternal truth of God’s Word, for the principles of this world and the will of God lead in opposite directions. The Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1-2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
When we prayerfully reflect on the thought “Individual Roots, Growing Together” considering God’s Word, this sculpture can serve as a powerful symbol of the community of God’s children. Each person is deeply rooted in Christ, growing together as His body, supporting, and complementing one another. Even a marriage blessed by God reflects this comparison: a man and a woman, each nurturing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, growing together toward Him.
Rooted in Christ
In the creation story, it is written: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). Before the specific gender differences of the first humans are even mentioned, the relationship to God and thus the destiny of mankind is clarified twice. We were primarily and essentially created for fellowship and relationship with God, from which our collaboration and interaction with other people flow.
After the fall of mankind, there is no other way back to fellowship with God except through the reconciling sacrifice of His Son. How thankful we should be that the path to the sanctuary is open to anyone who accepts this sacrifice in faith! Peter writes: “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus…perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).
Every child of God is called to glory in Christ Jesus. Through grace, we receive the great privilege of living in God’s presence—strengthened by His Word, comforted by the Holy Spirit, carried, and guided. Even in everyday life, our souls can breathe the air of heaven.
The more we are filled with His beauty and glory, the calmer, more balanced, and joyful our lives will be. This assurance carries us even in difficult times: whether our children are ill, in financial worries, or in the monotonous routine of a busy day. Whatever life brings, in Christ we are loved and sheltered. His love satisfies our deepest longing for recognition and peace, and our hearts find rest in God.
Even the most insignificant, everyday tasks gain meaning when we do them for Jesus. Especially homemakers and mothers, who often feel that their faithful work goes unnoticed, can know: In God’s eyes, every small, lovingly- fulfilled task has eternal value. It helps create a home that is marked by His love, where He can be glorified, and where others can also find peace.
The Purpose of Storms
Even though we are deeply rooted in Christ, we are not spared the storms of life. Occasionally, God allows these so our “roots” may go even deeper and more firmly grasp the eternal, unshakable Rock, Jesus Christ. In such times, He stays faithfully by our side and does not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). These trials are meant to refine and strengthen us so that the things of this world may fade and Jesus alone remains.
The Black Forest provides an example of this after Cyclone Lothar in December 1999. Entire mountainsides, once covered by mighty, century-old trees, were devastated—like someone had scattered a box of matchsticks. Upon closer inspection, it was evident that most of the fallen trees had very shallow roots.
However, there were trees that withstood the force of the storm. While some of their branches broke, they remained standing, anchored by their deep roots.
Growing Together
In Christ, we find the wonderful unity of God’s children, regardless of age, gender, status, nationality, or other characteristics (Galatians 3:28). Within marriage, however, God has established a special order: the man bears the responsibility as head, while the woman supports him in love and respect, just as Christ cares for the church. The church entrusts itself to Him as His body (Ephesians 5:21-25; 1 Peter 3:1-7). This order does not delineate the superiority of one over the other but is based on mutual respect as co-heirs of God’s grace.
Often, God leads two people with very different personalities into marriage. These differences are not obstacles but opportunities to grow together. Just as individual puzzle pieces come together to form a picture, man and woman are meant to complement each other in their differences according to God’s plan. Let us thank God for His wisdom in entrusting us with just the person with whom, together, we may reflect more of the image of Jesus.
For productive relationships—especially in marriage and family—we can follow the example of Jesus: He came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45). If we work on ourselves and do not expect it from the other person, we spare our homes from unnecessary conflict. It truly helps when we approach our spouse as Jesus would. Ask God for a loving perspective for the people He has entrusted to you and for the grace to serve them selflessly.
Here, I am reminded of other images from the world of trees. There is the magnificent walnut tree under which only extremely resilient plants, such as ivy, thrive. The reason is that walnut trees exude a chemical substance called juglone through their leaves, roots, nut hulls, and even bark which is toxic to other plants. In contrast, fruit trees enrich the soil with their fruit and foliage, providing the necessary shelter and shade for delicate plants to grow.
That’s just like our relationships with others: Unjustified criticism and unrealistic expectations can choke delicate “shoots” of affection and trust. But patience, gentleness, love, humility, and appreciation create an atmosphere where growth according to biblical principles is possible. May God grant us the grace to be such “fruit trees”—a humble example of Christ’s love.
Helene Rotfuss, Pforzheim (DE)
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