In Mark 4:5-6, Jesus describes a soil type that is shallow due to rocks that are underneath. These weren’t just some scattered small rocks in the soil, but rather huge layers of Palestinian limestone that were covered with shallow topsoil. From the outside, the soil looked fertile and even allowed the seed to penetrate it, allowing the plant to begin growing; but when the scorching sun inevitably came out, it dried the plant out to a wither, since the shallow roots could not preserve enough moisture to sustain it.

Jesus likened this soil type to those who “hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away” (Mk 4:16-17). A close look at a person that has a heart that is shallow and rootless will reveal that they are often impulsive, emotional, and cannot endure the unavoidable trials of life.

A person that is impulsive moves quickly while giving little to no consideration to their decision. In Luke 14:31-33, Jesus told another parable expressing the importance of giving consideration to the decisions we make, particularly as it relates to our faith. Jesus boldly stated, “Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Lk 4:33). When hearing the word of God, we must count the cost of following Jesus and what it requires. It cannot be made impulsively or superficially, but with strong determination.

Impulsiveness is often the result of an emotional response which can change at a whim. This is why a person who desires to grow deep roots cannot fall into that cycle. While we all have emotions, they are there to serve us and not rule us. God didn’t give us emotions to sustain or lead our lives, but instead, as children of God, we are to be led by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14). Those who are emotional will live their life like they are on a rollercoaster. Their decisions to pray or meditate on God’s word will be determined by their momentary emotions rather than a strong conviction to grow or change.

A person with such a shallow foundation will not endure when trial or persecution comes. As surely as the heat of the sun will undeniably beat down on a plantation, our lives will surely be tested and tried by the natural events of life. The necessary moisture needed to sustain a plant in such conditions will have to come from its roots, and similarly, unless we have a deep reserve of faith rooted in our heart, we also will not endure whatever may come our way. The apostle Paul reminds us that, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Col 2:6-7).

Here are four effective principles to apply to your life to make sure that you have a heart that is deeply rooted in faith in Christ:

1. Make a firm decision – not an impulsive one, but one carefully considered, with a strong determination to follow Christ. You must be aware and come to terms with having to face obstacles and challenges, and trust “the hope of [God’s] calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Eph 1:19-20); and that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Ph 1:6).

2. It takes time – be patient for the seed of God’s word to bear fruit in your life. This generation’s expectations of instant results will not align with God’s principle of sowing and reaping. Only a life of consistency can develop strong roots that grow deep, while inconsistency will kill it. Always remember to, “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Th 5:16-18).

3. It requires hiddenness – What determines your strength is not what is seen on the outside, but rather what is growing underneath. Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Mt 6:6). Whether it’s worship, reading your word, or prayer, your spiritual character will mostly develop in your alone time with God.

4. It needs water – Just as the root is where most of the moisture is kept for the entire plant, preventing it from withering away in the scorching sun, you need the Holy Spirit actively working in your heart to keep you refreshed during hard times. Jesus said, “‘Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit” (Jn 7:38-39). Build a relationship with the Holy Spirit in prayer and worship, and seek His insight when meditating on Scripture and you will always have a living source to sustain you.

What is your life rooted in? A life rooted on anything other than godly principles and values will soon prove to be unreliable. Pastor Christina Hanfere, speaking on this subject, stated,

• "The fruit you bear in your life will quickly reveal the root system of your life. It doesn’t matter how eloquently you speak of, or post about Jesus. It doesn’t matter how mature you seem to others on the surface or on social media. Fruit can’t stay hidden and despite your best efforts, it can’t be modified to look like something it’s not either. Eventually your root system will begin to show." [https://www.instagram.com/p/CGP9pSFH78G/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet]

Remain rooted in God’s word and always remember that your private victory will always precede your public victory.