Know, Grow, Show. Reflections From John 15Sample

  DAY 4-  BETTER THE SHEARS THAN THE AXE 

“Every branch that bears fruit He prunes “

How is pruning different from cutting? You cut away all dead branches. Healthy branches are pruned in order to be more fruitful. You cut the branch back so that the foliage and the flowering are dense therefore more fruit. You also cut back long extended branches that are unnecessarily taking up nutrients.

Pruning is not a punishment as some people might think, but a reward for growth. When we are growing we need adjustments in our life, in our attitudes, values, etc. When the branch is cut back all the sap flow is concentrated and redirected. Sometimes God may redirect our focus. 

When we begin to bear fruit, certain things might show up – some heart issues that might need adjusting. In humility, allow God to do that adjustment. Pruning brings maturity. There is a season for pruning so that the season of growth will produce healthy fruit and it will be evident.

Do we have unproductive areas in our lives or areas that are hindering our growth? Are there areas robbing our energy and our focus? Has it resulted in stunted growth in our Christian calling? God is always looking for an increase. 

We lose our effectiveness when we are carrying dead things in our lives or when we give our time to useless pursuits. Allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart today. Is it a habit, behavior, thought patterns, secret sins, and unhelpful friendships? Sometimes these may not necessarily be bad things in themselves. 

Sometimes a branch may be all leaves and no fruit. It has the appearance of being healthy and fruitful but it is not. It is only ornamental. This is when pruning is needed. God is not interested in outward appearance. He wants genuine fruit that comes from heart transformation. 

We can go from one conference to the next, one Sunday meeting to the next and never have our lives challenged, changed or mature.

God may say to us, “It’s great you came to church every Sunday, how about you read scripture to bless someone?” He is pruning your understanding of why you come to church. It could be “it’s great that you say you love your wife and that you are a good provider, but can you make her cup of tea?.” He is pruning your view of yourself as a husband and your expression of love for her. I could go on. 

What is God putting his finger on?  Will you allow Him to prune you? Is there something that needs to be cut off?

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF| Do I have any areas in my life that are not bearing fruit?  Allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart today. Is it a habit, behavior, thought patterns, secret sins, and unhelpful friendships? Sometimes these may not necessarily be bad things in themselves.

Are there any activities I am involved in that need pruning?

How do I respond to pruning?