ROOTED LIVING

 

August 27, 2025

Romans 12:2 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The most fundamental difference between people is not race, class, or culture — but belief. Faith and unbelief are opposing root systems that shape all of life.                       Abraham Kuyper

Picture two trees planted side by side in the same field. To the casual observer, they might look nearly identical, tall trunks, spreading branches, leaves fluttering in the wind, perhaps even bearing fruit. But appearances can be deceiving. The true difference lies hidden underground, where the eye cannot see.

One tree sinks its roots deep into rich, nourishing soil, drawing life, stability, and strength from the unseen resources beneath. The other, though outwardly similar, is rooted in shallow, dry ground, starved of water and nutrients.

Over time, the difference becomes clear: one flourishes, resilient in drought and storm, while the other withers, unable to endure. We see something like this in the Christian life, it is sustained not by outward appearances or actions, but by the hidden root of faith, whether our lives are grounded in Christ or in the empty soil of self and the world will depend on the soul we are rooted in.

So far this week we have been establishing some key principles that inform our worldview. Monday, it was talk about a kingdom perspective. Viewing life through a Kingdom lens, we said, changes everything, how you vote, spend money, use your time, treat strangers, and handle conflict. Yesterday, we developed this further by thinking together about Kingdom perspective that rests in God's sovereignty and says that there is not a place, "a square inch" of world experience that does not belong to God.

Today, we encounter this challenge in Abraham Kuyper's thought. Kuyper argued that the foundation of a person’s worldview is either belief or unbelief. What he means is that it is not just about actions, what we do, but the reasons behind them. As Kuyper would say both Christians and unbelievers may value things like education, justice, or beauty, they do so for entirely different reasons. The reasons for both are rooted in differing ultimate truths.

The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 remind us that we are continually being shaped and influenced, either by the patterns of this world or by the Spirit of God. The gap between belief and unbelief serves as a reminder to remain spiritually aware. Now pause for a moment and take this in. which pattern most shapes and influences us. I find in both the Bible and in Kupyer's thoughts I am prompted to ask myself the question: Where are my roots? A good question to wrestle with isn't it?

I find, perhaps you do as well, that our culture often influences our values without us realizing it. Therefore, today's discussion challenges us to reflect on our beliefs: Are we conforming to the world or being transformed by Christ?

Spend a few minutes today with these questions to help us dig deeper.

What are some ways your thinking has been shaped more by culture than by Christ?

What would it look like for your thoughts and decisions to be rooted in faith, not fear or conformity?

Let's Pray

Lord, I want to be shaped by You, not by the trends of this world. Help me to recognize the deep roots of faith and live from them daily. Transform my mind, renew my heart, and align my life with Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.