Pruned For Healthier Growth

Pruned for Healthier Growth

I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. . . . You cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:1-4

Every fall Nathan heads out into his yard to cut back his crepe myrtle trees, hydrangea bushes, and other plants around the yard. The ones that have gotten too “leggy” he trims back to a joint, where new growth will start. Some bushes don’t need pruning at all, while others grow much too fast during the summer months and need to be trimmed back so the plant can actually support the branches.

It’s all about maintaining the plant’s health. Some plants grow quickly, others more slowly. Some of the fast growers eventually need to be taken back a notch or two. Or more. It’s all about helping the plants to grow and produce more and more fruit.

That describes you and me in the hands of the Master Gardener.

We go through times in our lives when we are being “pruned” by God. Maybe an opportunity has been taken away from us. Maybe an unhealthy friendship is withering away. Maybe our church is undergoing transition.

God doesn’t want us to wither in His hands. These situations are for our ultimate good, as He cuts off those branches that don’t produce fruit. Of course we need to be careful that we don’t become unproductive branches, but rather understand that there will be times when we will feel that discomfort of being reshaped by the Lord for our growth.

Pruning is needed and beneficial. It may feel like a setback for you, but ultimately it’s not. It will create a stronger, healthier, and godlier life that produces more fruit for Him.

Uncommon Key > Every time you are out doing yard work, especially pruning foliage, think of what parts of your life need trimming to produce more fruit. Ask the Master Gardener to keep you healthy and growing.