What is it that separates the ethical advice of the Bible from that of other forms of spirituality, or, for that matter, Dr. Phil’s counsel on television? After all, don’t most religions and self‑help books generally say the same thing?

At first glance, it might appear to be so. However, the difference is found not so much in what they say, but in the foundational truths that support their ideas.

A book or religion might tell you to have positive self esteem, to refuse to be bitter about your past, to believe the best will happen even if things look gloomy. This is all good advice. It may encourage you to accept others, to be a giver rather than a taker, to honor your marital vows. Again, excellent counsel.

But what is the basis, the foundation, the root of all this helpful instruction? Is it true simply because we desire it to be so, or is there a deeper basis? Moreover, how am I to manufacture these good attitudes and habits when everything within me and around me screams otherwise?

This is the genius of the Christian faith. It grounds truth not in the whim and fancy of human ideas, but in the historical reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Moreover, it tells us that the resurrection life of Jesus is present and active in the hearts of everyone who follows him.

Think for a moment about the plants in your yard. Which is more important, the part beneath the ground, or the part above the ground?

Obviously, it is the part under the ground. The life of the plant is in the root system. No amount of water, soil, sun, or wishful thinking will cause it to grow if there are no living roots beneath those leaves.

Healthy roots give foundation and sustenance to plants. In fact, many plants which appear dead due to our winter frost are not dead at all. Their strong roots will cause further growth. It is the healthy roots, both in plants and in Christian spirituality, which are the key to fruitful living.

The beauty of the Christian faith is that it centers spiritual experience and advice not in the fickle fancies of our emotions (“I feel alive and well”) or our will (“I choose to be alive and well”). Nor does it rely on the opinions of others (“You look well”).

Instead, Christianity grounds its experience and ethic in the complete and finished work of Christ (“Jesus is alive and well; therefore, I am, too”).

Because Christian spirituality is grounded in the truth of Christ’s resurrection, it remains firm in the face of huge challenges. And because the resurrected life of Christ resides within Christians by virtue of their faith in him, they find that his life grows up in them despite overwhelming obstacles.

This is why you cannot kill Christianity. For at the root, it is not Christians who make it so. In fact, if it were up to Christians, we would have likely killed it long ago. God knows we’ve tried.

No, the essence of Christianity is not found in its teachings, or in its followers. It is found in Jesus himself, resurrected from the dead, ascended to the heavens, returning one day to finish the work he began. Jesus is alive and well, and, as baffling as it might seem, living in the hearts of those who love him.

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong, (Eph 3:17).