It’s easy to look up. To be drawn to the fruits the visible successes, the immediate rewards, the moments of recognition. But what if the greatest strength, the most profound legacy, lies not in the branches or the bounty, but deep in the dark, silent earth?

We’re talking about the roots.

The roots are the true unsung heroes of any magnificent tree. They are the ones doing the heavy, non-glamorous lifting anchoring the structure against the storms and drawing up the life-giving nutrients. And they do it with a quiet, powerful understanding: they may never see, nor taste, the fruit of their own labor. This is the profound selflessness of Being the Roots.

The Power of Going Deep

In life, as in nature, shallow roots lead to instability. When the winds of challenge blow the financial setbacks, the relational struggles, the doubts that creep in a shallow tree will be the first to topple.

But when you commit to deep roots, you are building a legacy on rock.

Going deep means prioritizing what truly sustains you: your faith. This isn’t just about showing up on Sunday; it’s about the daily, invisible act of drawing closer to God, seeking wisdom, and aligning your actions with a purpose far greater than your own.

When your roots are deep in the soil of your faith, your stability is secured. You can withstand the worst weather because your strength isn’t dependent on the temporary conditions above ground.

The Selflessness of Spreading Wide

Being the roots also requires spreading wide.

This is where the selflessness truly shines. When you spread your roots wide, you are not doing it for your immediate comfort. You are doing it so that the tree you are growing your family, your community, your ministry, your business will be able to provide for those who come after you.

Think of a mighty redwood or an ancient oak. Generations of birds, squirrels, and people have found shelter and sustenance under its canopy. Why? Because decades or even centuries ago, a tiny seedling committed to an incredible, invisible expansion.

Your legacy isn’t just about what you leave to your children; it’s about what you leave in them and the system you build for them.

 

You may never enjoy the ultimate “fruit” of the financial stability you establish, but your grandkids will go to college debt-free.

 You may never fully see the end result of the strong values you instill and the boundaries you hold, but your children will become whole, thriving adults who change their own corners of the world.

 You may never get the public recognition for the thankless, foundational work you do in your community, but that work will be the bedrock that allows a future generation to build a powerful ministry or organization.

Why Faith Makes the Difference

Without faith, the work of the roots can feel like a depressing burden. What’s the point if I don’t get the credit? Why work so hard if I never reap the reward?

But a root system rooted in faith has an eternal perspective.

When your energy comes from God, your source is limitless. You continue to spread your roots deep and wide not out of obligation, but out of a spirit of service and trust. You are working for an Audience of One, and you have faith that the seeds you plant will absolutely grow and provide.

It no longer matters if you see the harvest, because you are focused on the ultimate mission: to grow a tree so strong and so fruitful that it will shelter and sustain those who will stand in your shadow long after you’re gone.

So, embrace the silent, vital work. Go deep. Spread wide. Be the unwavering, selfless roots that your world needs. The canopy will flourish, and the legacy will be great.

What area of your life needs deeper roots this week?