Fruitfulness

The Vine Dresser knows

What should stay and what should go

He prunes us for good.

-John 15:1-11

 

In order to bear fruit, mature plants must be pruned. I gained some insight from one of my gardening books, The Impatient Gardner by Jerry Baker. Pruning is all about the health of the tree, which is evidenced by it's fruit. The pruning reason determines the pruning season. Most pruning is done at the end of winter, right before the spring surge of sap.

The first reason for pruning is to reduce the number of fruiting buds. This causes the production of fewer but bigger fruit on the tree. The spiritual principle is: restriction increases effectiveness. Sometimes God prunes things that seem really good. It may not be sinful in the general sense of the word, but to keep it when God says prune it would be missing the mark – the definition of sin. God prunes things off because He knows your influence and effectiveness in the areas that remain will increase.

Another reason for pruning is to shape the tree. Shaping opens up the tree's center and increases sunlight and airflow to the center of the tree. It also makes the fruit more easily accessible. God's word shapes me, opens my heart to His light, and makes the fruit from my life more accessible to those who need it.

Finally, pruning removes weak, damaged and diseased wood. God loves me too much to leave me in the condition He found me. He sees which joints are weak and will cause future problems. He gets rid of “suckers”-leafy sap sucking branches that never bear fruit. He repairs the wounds we receive from the outside and skillfully heals the damaged parts. He removes diseased wood – sin – quickly preserving the life of the tree.

Fruit is a sign of a healthy, well-cared for tree. Maturing Christians submitted to the Father's pruning and full of Holy Spirit sap will abound with fruit! Check your branches. Ask God to show you areas that need cleanup. Are you plagued with “suckers” draining your life and giving nothing back? Are things so crowded that the light of God's word can't make it to your heart? Is there a diseased branch that needs to go immediately? Are there wounds or weaknesses that need the Gardener's care? He's faithful! Trust Him.

John 15:1-11, Matthew 12:33