Colossians 3:17-4:1As we conclude our ROOTED series we reflect on what it means to be ROOTED in Jesus. The roots are the part of the fruit tree that no one can see (the secret place, our closet prayer life, our personal relationship with Jesus). But you can see the evidence of good roots. You can see the leaves, the branches and the fruit. Withered branches and bad fruit point to a suffering root system. The life that comes from being securely rooted in Christ yields an abundance of good fruit and a healthy spiritual maturity, visible for all to see. Our personal relationships are a sort of proving ground for the fruit of the Spirit. It's where we plant orchards. How we treat people says much more about our belief in God and our relationship with Christ than our words. God cares about our relationships.1.Life Change Happens Through Jesus Only It is incredibly easy for us to look at a list of religious disciplines that we ought to do and check them off day to day in our own strength thinking we are accomplishing some kind of holiness. We tend to think we can change our heart if we just change our habits. But significant and lasting life change is not a matter of grit and determination. It only happens through Christ, from the inside out. Your works (your deeds of self righteousness) cannot make your roots healthier. Only the healthy root system (in Christ) can produce true fruit. From the inside out. 2.Your Relationships MatterThe power of the Gospel should be seen in our everyday interactions and the relationships we have with others. To glorify God in our theology and doctrines is little more than lip service. God wants to be glorified in your marriage, how you treat your kids, how you speak to your neighbor, how you tip your server. The fruit of the Spirit lives in the relationships of our lives, people can see and taste it. That's why God cares about your relationships so much. Your deep roots will draw living water from the source (Jesus) even in the driest and most desolate climates bringing forth shade and fruit that is the love of God for all. 3.How God Changes things God is more concerned about changing you than changing your situation and circumstance. He wants to do a work in the world. But He prefers to do it in you first. From the inside out. As the people of God are transformed the culture will be transformed. In the early church women had more rights than anywhere in ancient cultures, slaves were lifted up to the status of siblings in Christ. Because the heart of God's people was changed the world was changed. Let the Lord do an inner work in you. Your surroundings will be affected. Your relationships will change. And it will be a lasting change.We have loved going through this ROOTED series with you thank you for joining us.Remember you are loved and blessed beyond measure! Stay ROOTED!Have an awesome week church.We love ya!