Roots Intertwined

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." 
Acts 2:44-47 (NIV)

You've probably seen pictures of those massive Sequoia trees, but what you don't see could save your life. 

These giant hardwoods are absolutely beautiful. Towering and majestic, they seem almost indestructible. 

But there’s something you may not realize. Their roots are only four feet deep. One strong wind should blow them over. But it doesn’t. Why? 

These roots stretch out and intermingle with the roots of other Sequoias next to them. They survive because they're in it together, giving each other support, stability, and solidarity. They stand strong century after century, storm after storm, wind after wind, because they refuse to stand alone.

Listen to the word that's repeated three times in Acts 2:44-47: "together." They did life together. They ate meals together. They went to the temple together. They came into homes together. They worshipped together. They prayed together. And in doing so, they built friendships that could withstand anything.

At the end of the day, life is all about relationships, and the best relationships are all about friendships. The reality is that 45% of adults say they find it difficult to make new friends. The average American hasn't made a new friend in five years. The problem? It takes effort. 

Research shows it takes fifty hours to move from acquaintance to casual friend, ninety more hours to become a real friend, and more than two hundred hours before someone becomes a close friend.

There's no place you'll ever find where you'll build more lasting, loving friendships than in a small group. This Sunday, sign up for a group. Let your roots intermingle with others so you can weather any storm together.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You died not just for me individually but for us corporately. Help me let go of my independence and become intertwined with other believers. Show me the group where I belong. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.