Pruning

I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. [John 15.1-4]

Pruning sucks... at least for a little while. In short-term perspective, pruning seems backward. It could be argued that pruning accomplishes (short-term) the exact opposite of the desired result. Pruning removes - takes away - terminates forever what would be deemed healthy growth. Furthermore, it could be assessed (again, short-term) that pruning is hypocritical (destroying the very growth that signifies life).

Application?

Spiritually speaking, and like the physical implication, pruning has no short-term benefit. When God removes what appears to be good healthy growth, it makes no sense whatsoever for the moment. It hurts, it reduces, it alters, and it changes appearance. Could it be that the 'hard things' we experience in life are indeed pruning? How do we know? How can we be sure?

Pruning seems to me to be about patience. It takes a lot of patience to see growth and then see it lopped off. And, as counter-productive as pruning may seem, the end result is even more productivity!

As much as pruning is about patience - it is equally about strength. If indeed we are in this thing for the long haul, then much strength will be required to survive all that will be encountered in life. That strength is achieved by removing extremities (branches) and allowing the trunk to build mass first. Everyone desires "great fruit" to hang from their branches, but few are willing to build the strength in their branches to sustain great fruit!

So back to the questions, "How do we know?" and "How can we be sure?"

We will know by not giving up and waiting. Only then can we evaluate whether real and great fruit has been produced. And, amazingly enough, just not giving up is a fruit worth bearing all by itself! Patient endurance is a very inspiring and courageous virtue. Hmmm...

Father, I dislike pruning as much as anyone. It hurts, it makes me feel like I have lost, and it has no immediate gratification. Please give me the grace to recognize Your work of pruning in me.