“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  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.  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.”  (John 15:1-4)

Spring will soon be here. Given a few pleasant days in mid-to-late March, it can be a wonderful opportunity to do some pruning of bushes, hedge plants, and decorative landscaping trees before budding begins.  Pruning is done for various reasons.  These include:  providing for restoration and rejuvenation, promoting overall health, or to direct growth. A gardener who is experienced in pruning does it selectively and knows exactly how and where to trim.  Pruning properly will enhance the beauty of a shrub or tree.  But pruning that is not done correctly can ruin the desired outcome.  Pruning is one of the most important processes in the wine vineyard.  If the wine dresser is a knowledgeable pruner, his work will enable the vines to yield a better harvest.

I have a wonderful neighbor across the street who has a beautiful yard filled with colorful flowers.  Not only does she fertilize and water them faithfully, but during the summer months she spends many hours each week deadheading her plants.  Removing the spent flowers on a regular basis promotes blossoms throughout the season.  In her own way of pruning throughout the growing months, she helps create a front yard that commands attention as you pass by.

As Believers, we have a periodic need for pruning in our lives because like the flowers, we too can become spent.  Sometimes we are able to deadhead the undesired habits that have crept into our life and self-improve.  At other times, we, the branches, find ourselves becoming so detached from the vine (Christ) that only the Master Gardener (God) can restore us.  In doing so, we find ourselves in good spiritual health and are once again able to produce fruit.  No one is a better pruner than God, but we must not be arrogant or boastful.  “If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.’ Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.”  (Romans 11:18-20)

We most likely can find ourselves in one of three places: in the process of being pruned, healing from being pruned, or if you are fortunate you may be in full bloom.  As Christians, we are all subject to times of pruning. Pruning is not only necessary when our lives are a mess. Sometimes we are in need just because there is untapped potential. During these times of reshaping we may be subject to difficulty, disappointment, and discouragement. Just like the gardener, we should see God’s pruning as a sign that He is taking an active role in our lives, is concerned about our growth, and wants us to reap the best potential harvest for His kingdom.  In need of a good pruning?  If not now – you will be.

REFLECTION:  Can you understand that God sometimes allows us to suffer not as an act of punishment but because He wants to see us be more productive fruit bearers?  Looking back on your life, can you identify times when pruning has occurred? As you look ahead, will you be able to view God’s pruning as an act of encouragement?

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