John 15:1-2
1 I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit].
One important key to abundant life is pruning. Now that seems counterproductive. Jesus says that bottom line, we will all be cut. If you are connected yet you are not bearing fruit, then you will be cut off and thrown into the fire. If you are connected and you are bearing fruit, then you will be cut, so that you can bear much fruit!
God is not just interested in fruit; He is looking for much fruit.
We don’t like pruning because any time there is cutting, there is pain and if there is one thing humans are afraid of, it is pain. Pruning, cuts you down to size. It reduces those things in your life that are draining energy and resources that would otherwise be used to develop more fruit.
When was the last time you decluttered your life? Interesting how when we move house we discover that we had so many things we were holding to and yet we don’t need them. God knows the end from the beginning and He knows your potential because He put that potential in you. When you start bearing fruit then He comes it to cut off those things and sometimes even relationships that are draining you and causing you not to produce at your potential. It is a painful experience and at first we don’t understand why because we get attached to things but if we remain in him, if we trust and obey, then we get to see the much fruit.
Pruning is good for you and I.
Reflections
Has God ever taken you through a season of pruning? What did He cut off?
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What was the result of the pruning?
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In what areas of your life currently do you need to de-clutter so as to be more effective? What are you going to do about it?
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