PRUNING OUR BRANCHES I

I think it helps greatly sometimes when we have experience in doing something that is mentioned in scripture. Pruning branches is one such example. I have pruned many bushes, trees and vines. There is one basic effort in this work: cut away what does not produce fruit, or is unhealthy, or misshapen so that the plant may produce good fruit.

Jesus taught it this way: “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)

I think most us us recognize the branches that would benefit from a little trim job: pride (big branch), envy (good sized branch), and branches that are diseased with pornography, sports betting, lust, ungodly friends, media addiction, etc., etc., etc.. I believe that if we try to carefully cut away and prune these branches…it will be better than if the Lord has to do it. Just some experience being passed on.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5-6) 

The up side is when our branches are pruned and carefully taken care of, they will be healthy, fruit producing branches. Pruning is only severe for the moment… then fruitfulness. Like any surgery.

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” Jesus