This part of scripture tells us that there is a vine, a branch, and a Gardener or vinedresser. The Vine here is Jesus, the branch is us, and the Gardener is God the Father. Each has a part in the growing process of the fruit.
Today let’s talk about God as our Gardener. In verse 2 it says “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” God’s role as the Gardener of our lives is to prune, or remove, what is dead or unfruitful. He is pruning or removing what does not help us, what may be hindering us, or what is holding back growth in our lives. God does this with His purpose of growth in mind and the reason is for our benefit: to bear much fruit. It’s what the branch is created to do. Yielding to the Gardener and His pruning shears (the tool used to cut), we can know in our hearts it is only for our benefit. As fruit bearing trees, the cutting back process promotes growth. This allows the branch to be strengthened, so it can continue to produce fruit.
Is there a place in your life that is lacking in fruit production? Is there a relationship that is hindering your spiritual growth? Perhaps a “cut back” is needed in the amount of time spent doing unproductive things. Our time is valuable and how you are using each minute of your day can make a big difference in how productive you are. Is there an activity that fills a lot of your time or takes a lot of your energy? Does it keep you from time at church, time spent in building healthy relationships, or maybe from being focused on school work?
Take some “time” now to quiet yourself in prayer to God (the Gardener) and ask Him to show you where some pruning is needed. Then allow Him to make those cut backs!
…how you are using each minute of your day can make a big difference in how productive you are.
Remember: The pruning process is for a productive purpose! (That’s a lot of P’s!)
It’s up to us to allow the Gardener to work in the garden of our lives!!
Walk with the King…
Nikki
