By: Minister Teloman Areto

Rooted in Christ: The First Step in Going Deep

Rooted in Christ: The First Step in Going Deep

When we talk about faith, it’s easy to keep things at surface level. We go to church, say a few prayers, read a few verses, and check the box. But the call to follow Christ is a call to go deeper—to move beyond familiarity and into spiritual depth. That’s why the first step in our journey this year is to Go Deep!

This is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about seeking God with intention, building a strong foundation in Christ, and cultivating a faith that cannot be shaken.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB)

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”

This verse lays out the blueprint for going deep:

Receive Christ. Faith begins with Jesus.

Walk in Him. It’s not enough to believe; we must live out our faith.

Be firmly rooted. A shallow foundation won’t sustain us when life gets hard.

Be built up and established. Growth comes from consistently seeking God.

To Go Deep! means we commit to being firmly planted in Christ, actively growing in our faith, and pursuing spiritual depth that transforms how we live.  

1. Seeking God with Intention 

Going deep starts with seeking God wholeheartedly. God is not distant or unreachable—He desires for us to know Him. But knowing God requires effort. You can’t develop a deep relationship with someone you barely talk to.

Why Seeking God Matters

Many people struggle in their faith because they only engage with God when they need something. They wait for crises to pray, read the Bible sporadically, and rely on Sunday sermons as their main source of spiritual nourishment. But depth requires consistency.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) says:

“And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

When we intentionally seek God, we begin to experience His presence in a way that shapes our hearts, renews our minds, and deepens our trust in Him.

Ways to Seek God Deeply

Prioritize Quiet Time – Set aside intentional moments daily to read, reflect, and pray.

Develop a Habit of Prayer – Move beyond “God, help me” prayers to deep, honest conversations with Him.

Read the Bible with Expectation – Approach Scripture as God’s living Word, ready to reveal His truth.

Eliminate Distractions – Fast from social media, entertainment, or anything pulling you away from God’s presence.

Worship Beyond Sundays – Engage in personal worship through music, journaling, and reflection. 

2. Spiritual Depth: More Than Just Knowledge 

Some people mistake spiritual depth for having Bible knowledge. But knowing verses is not the same as living them. True depth comes from applying God’s truth in our daily lives.

Why Spiritual Depth Matters

Shallow faith crumbles under pressure. When storms come, those without deep roots fall away, doubt, or struggle to remain firm in Christ. Jesus speaks about this in Matthew 13:5-6 when He describes seeds that sprouted quickly but withered because they had no roots.

Spiritual depth is what allows us to:

Stand firm in trials – We don’t lose faith when life gets tough.

Discern truth from lies – We recognize God’s voice above all others.

Find purpose and direction – We follow His will instead of aimlessly wandering.

Ways to Go Deeper Spiritually

Meditate on Scripture – Instead of rushing through a passage, take time to reflect on its meaning.

Ask Hard Questions – Wrestling with Scripture and seeking answers strengthens faith.

Apply What You Learn – Faith is not just for knowing—it’s for doing.

Stay in Community – Iron sharpens iron. Discussing Scripture with others deepens understanding.

Live Out Your Faith – Love, serve, and give in ways that reflect Christ. 

3. Building a Strong Foundation in Christ 

If you’ve ever seen a tree with deep roots, you know it can withstand storms. The same is true for our faith. A strong foundation in Christ ensures that when the pressures of life come, we remain steadfast.

Why a Strong Foundation Matters

A weak foundation leads to a fragile faith—one that is easily shaken by difficulties, opinions, or changing circumstances. But a firm foundation keeps us grounded in truth.

Luke 6:47-48 (NASB)

“Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when there was a flood, the river burst against that house and yet it could not shake it, because it had been well built.”

When Christ is our foundation, we stand strong in faith, unshaken by life’s uncertainties.

Ways to Strengthen Your Foundation in Christ

Commit to a Daily Devotional Life – Make time with God a non-negotiable priority.

Deepen Your Understanding of the Gospel – Know why you believe what you believe.

Memorize Scripture – God’s Word should be in your heart, not just on the page.

Surround Yourself with Faithful People – Stay connected to believers who uplift and encourage you.

Walk in Obedience – The foundation is built not just by knowing but by doing God’s will. 

Final Thoughts: Are You Willing to Go Deep?

Going deep is a choice. It requires commitment, consistency, and a desire to know God beyond surface-level faith. But the reward is life-changing—a faith that is firm, a relationship with God that is strong, and a spiritual depth that withstands every storm.

Key Takeaways

Seeking God with intention leads to deeper faith.

Spiritual depth is more than knowledge—it’s application.

A strong foundation in Christ keeps us firm in our faith.

Reflection Questions for Going Deep

What does it mean for you to go deeper in your relationship with God?

In what areas of your life is your faith shallow?

How can you develop a stronger habit of seeking God daily?

What distractions keep you from pursuing spiritual depth?

How will you strengthen your foundation in Christ this year?

Affirmations for Going Deep

I will seek God with all my heart and prioritize my relationship with Him.

I will commit to growing spiritually and applying God’s Word in my life.

I will build a strong foundation in Christ that cannot be shaken.

I will pursue deeper understanding and wisdom in my faith.

I will walk in obedience and live out the truth of God’s Word daily.

This is your year! Seek Him, grow in Him, and establish your faith on solid ground. Are you ready?  

Go Deep!