ONE

High up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, groves of aspen trees wave their leaves in the breeze. From a distance, it looks like a forest. But in reality, it’s something far more extraordinary.

Aspen trees are connected by a single, shared root system. What appears to be dozens or hundreds of individual trees is actually one united life-form, each “tree” a stem rising from the same root. Though each trunk is unique and stands alone, they are inextricably bound beneath the surface.

Aspens are a powerful picture of the body of JESUS Christ.

The Bible reminds us that though we are many, we are one, drawing life from the same unseen life of JESUS Christ.

“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Romans 12:5). 

Just as the aspens share one root, we are rooted in Christ, who gives life to each of us and binds us together.

Our unity isn’t built on shared interests, personality types, worship styles, or church traditions—it’s rooted in a Person: JESUS Christ.

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:12–13).

In a world that prizes independence and rewards individuality, it’s easy to forget our deep, God-given connection to one another as believers in Christ. Yet the unity we share in Him transcends backgrounds, cultures, languages, temperaments, personalities, socio-economic status, and preferences. 

As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, 

“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:4–6).

We don’t stand alone. Even when we feel isolated or unseen, we are part of something far greater—a living, breathing community sustained by the same Spirit and rooted in the same grace of JESUS Christ. 

Like the aspen grove, we grow together.

And in Christ, there is no hierarchy of worth. 

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus… There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free… for you are all one in Christ JESUS” (Galatians 3:26–28).

This past week, DeeDee and I spent time in the mountains above Woodland Park, CO, for a SonScape Retreat. It was an incredible week of refreshment and renewal – not just because of the weather, mountains, trees, and wildlife – but because of time shared with other believers in ministry. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we hiked, we processed, and we prayed as the body of Christ. We’re all uniquely different but singularly rooted in the love of Christ.

We are one because JESUS made us one. He laid down His life to reconcile us not only to God, but also to one another. His blood broke down every barrier, and His resurrection life now flows through all who trust Him.

We are one. Not because we look the same, talk the same, or act the same, but because we share the same life—the life of Christ. In Him, there is no place for pride, division, or isolation. And because of Him, we grow stronger… together.

So when you feel alone, remember the aspen grove.

– When you’re tempted to go it alone, remember you’re rooted in Christ with His church.
– When you struggle with loneliness, remember His body.
– When division tempts your heart, return to the Cross.
– When you feel disconnected, look to Christ.

Because of Him, we grow stronger together.

“Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith…” —Colossians 2:7

Let the aspens remind you today: You are not alone. You are part of something beautiful, eternal, and alive. We are one in Christ.

Follow me…as I follow JESUS Christ.