We
are called to bear spiritual fruit as Christians. This is one of the
non-negotiable aspects of Christianity. The authentic Christian life always
produces fruit. What’s really fascinating, especially as you consider John 15,
is that God will use a variety of means to encourage more growth. In John 15:2,
Jesus says something that I think we miss at times: “…and every branch that
does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
In the
natural world, one of the ways to increase growth is to prune branches so that
they will grow more. Too many weak or unnecessary branches drain the plant’s
energy. This prevents it from producing its best fruit. Pruning also helps cut
back branches that are becoming entangled. They can block sunlight and air.
Much of the pruning that is done takes place in the winter, in preparation for
a fruitful spring. To someone untrained, pruning can look random or harsh. But
a skilled gardener prunes with careful intention and precision. Pruning, then,
becomes a powerful metaphor of what God is doing in our lives, not in a random
or haphazard way, but with the skill of the Divine Vinedresser.
If we look
at our own lives, we may see areas that, while good, take up too much energy
and fail to produce lasting fruit. God may allow certain things in our lives to
come to an end or need to be cut. This is not because they are wrong, but
because they are keeping us from all that God has for us. Other things may be
choking out the Spirit’s work in our lives. Maybe it’s the busyness that God
wants to prune back, so that you have time to abide in Christ. God may prune
relationships in your life that aren’t producing joy or peace. This allows you
to gain relationships that do. Pruning often requires removing the dead areas
of our life. These are the areas that have no benefit whatsoever. While these
areas may not always be inherently sinful, there are many things that simply
take more from us spiritually than they provide.
Sometimes it
can feel painful when God prunes, but it is always with a purpose for more
growth. God prunes those who are already bearing fruit. He refines what is
already growing well. In that way, God’s pruning work in your life is an act of
His grace. It is not done to hurt or damage us, but to produce the abundant
life of Christ.
What does
that mean then? Don’t resist the work of God in your life. Rather than seeing
the pruning He does as a burden to get rid of, see it as God’s grace to
embrace. No, it won’t always be easy. Yes, it will be painful at times. But
remember, the pruning work that God is doing in you today may be the precursor
to some of the most spiritually fruitful times in your life. Embrace God’s work
in your life today, and watch Him produce fruit that lasts.