“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. “

John 15:2

Dearest Believer,

Have you ever watched in amazement those animal shows that demonstrate how instinctively these creatures seem to do resourceful things? Or watched how a horticulturist transforms a dying garden into a work of art? Isn’t it wonderful how God allows all of His creation to teach and guide us? 

I have never really had a green thumb (I have killed many poor cacti and hardy plants). But this past year,  I have begun to work on the plants and trees around the house. I have realized that not only is pruning necessary to remove unsightly dead flowers and branches but how important it is to stimulate new growth. As I began to read a bit more information on how to prune correctly, I realized it is a much more refined process than just cutting haphazardly. I learned there are specific places on the branches where the cut should be made to facilitate new growth, specific times of the year to prune, as well as the proper tools.  And the benefits are much more than I formerly knew. All of this made me see why God does the same to His people. It is necessary and it is good. Here are some parallels:

REMOVING UNSIGHTLY FOLIAGE

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you; sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and coveteousness, which is idolatry…In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now, you must put them away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”

Colossians 3:5,7-8

If we are honest with ourselves, we know we have some ugly parts to our personalities and behaviors. Most often than not, it’s sin. It may have started as disguised as an unpleasant quirk or habit. But if unchecked, that may turn into full-fledged wickedness. When we turn our lives over to God, His Spirit begins to convict us of those things in our life that displease Him. He begins snipping away the dead and decaying thoughts and behaviors. He does this through repentance, guidance, and discipline. 

STIMULATING HEALTHY GROWTH

“assuming that you have heard about Him and were taught in Him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. ”

Ephesians 4:21-24

When God disciplines, He sometimes takes away things that we are holding on to that are hindering our spiritual growth. Have you or someone you know ever said, “I can’t help it, that just the way I am!” or “You know me, I’m just (crazy, impulsive, possessive, fill in the blank!)”. In reality, those are just excuses we give ourselves that keep us from taking proper spiritual inventory, confessing it, and allowing God to prune that away, giving room for righteous behavior. 

DETERS PESTS AND DISEASE

“For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock.”

Psalm 27:5

An interesting tidbit I learned about the benefits of pruning plants, is that it keeps bad critters and sickness at bay. Neglecting to cut away the dead or decaying branches, increases the risk of harmful pests. These pests, although very small, can stunt a plant’s growth, cause deformations of buds, flowers, and leaves, and can literally suck the life out of plants and trees. They also carry and promote disease. When God prunes us, we don’t frequent the same places or hang out with those that can lead us astray. Our new life in Christ many times makes old acquaintances stay away from us, not include us like they used to, or shun us. Although this rejection from others may sometimes feel hurtful, it is a way God protects us from harm. This keeps us separated from the harmful effects of sin and the heartbreak it brings.

PROTECTS OTHERS AROUND YOU

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humilty count others more signifcant than yourselves. Let each of ou look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

Pruning aids in keeping larger plants and trees from over-growing and being a safety concern for others. For example, trees whose limbs are too heavy can eventually fall and cause damage to their environment. Plants like shrubs can overgrow and choke neighboring plants from growing themselves. Likewise, God prunes us from sins of pride and greed to avoid becoming self-sufficient and hindering others in the body of Christ from growing themselves. We are to instead use our gifts to encourage growth in other members of God’s family. 

“The best fruit comes out of the most drastic pruning. The purest gold comes out of the hottest fires.”

Elisabeth Elliot

So you see, dear believer, what an act of compassion pruning is upon our lives. God uses this to shape our lives. So we must allow it. And not only that, but accept it and thank God for it. God’s perfect pruning in our lives will enable us to grow strong and healthy. Welcome the Great I AM to purify you of all sin that is hindering your growth in Him. There may be times when we feel bare, dry and puny. Times when we cannot understand why He cut back so much. We may ask ourselves, “Will I ever come out of this?”. Be encouraged, for, at the right time, God will create fresh new growth that will blossom into something beautiful. That by being cleansed and purified, you may be the salt and light He made you to be. That we may die to ourselves and produce fruit for His Kingdom.

The Lord be with you,

Bianca