When I was in 4th grade, my teacher gave everyone in the class the privilege to plant a tree. I chose to take one and see if I could help it grow. My parents let me plant it in the backyard but made sure that I understood that I would be responsible for it. My mom had looked up what kind of tree it was and told me that it was a fruit bearing tree. I was so excited to hear that and waited until it grew so I could eat it’s fruit.
(Not my actual tree, just a picture from google)
After a few years, my tree had reached beautiful heights and I loved looking at it but I didn’t see any fruit. I asked my mom why my tree didn’t have fruit on it. She told me that if I had wanted it to produce fruit, I needed to have pruned it in the early stages of growth.
Does this remind you of anything? It reminded me of this passage in John 15.
In John 15:1-17, Jesus talks about how he is the true vine and the Father is the gardener.
In verses 2-4 it says, “He cuts off every branch that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Bearing fruit can only happen through pruning.
Merriam Webster’s definition of prune is to cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth.
Pruning equals growth but that doesn’t mean it’s free of pain.
The Father desires for you to become the man or woman of God that He has created you to be.
Is there an area of your life that the Father is wanting to prune?
Is there something in your life that is no longer bearing fruit and is not necessary for this new season of growth? If so, get rid of it. Surrender it to the Father and let him prune away at the old so the new can spring forth.
Allow the Holy Spirit access to go deep into the root system and uproot the things that don’t produce a beautiful, healthy tree?
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
John 15:16
