learning DAILY



John 15:2, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

Since retiring, I have started to take an interest in what I can do to improve the appearance of the yard.  In the back there are areas where grass has stopped growing due to the amount of shade.  In the front, I have planted flowers after removing the crazy variety of vegetation we had there.  Let’s just say I am trying to learn what to do to help the plants grow strong and healthy.

In the past my attempts to make shrubs and bushes look better have earned me the name “butcher” in my house.  I had good intentions but the outcome might not have shown that.

I have learned that removing that which is either no longer growing or producing the desired results helps the plant grow healthier and stronger.  I have seen that “topping a tree or shrub helps it grow fuller at the lower parts and removing limbs from the bottom help it to grow taller.

This verse describes the same thing the Lord does to Christians.  As the true vine, Jesus is the source of all life.  In this passage two types of branches have been identified: fruit-bearing and non-fruit-bearing. The problem lies in that often the two look alike.  Those not bearing fruit may look like the ones producing fruit for a while but failure to produce in the harvest show they are not.  The result is to remove them because they no longer are receiving life from the vine.

I know this is a touchy set of verses for some people.  They speak of Jesus as the true vine and the branches are His disciples.  By remaining attached to Him as the Source of Life, His disciples (that includes all who have accepted Him as their Savior) produce fruit.  God expects all of His disciples to produce fruit.  One can only produce fruit by staying connected to the vine.  Those not producing fruit are no longer connected to the vine; they are removed. 

I want to write about those branches producing good fruit so you will understand those who are not.  Those producing good fruit will have a love for God and a love for others, an unselfishness and confidence about life; they will have a peace that comes from God.  “There will be plenty there for any observer to recognize. Good fruit is any action or quality of character that reveals God to the world and advances his purposes” (from an internet article).  The emphasis for all this is staying connected to the vine!

The branches producing the fruit are doing so because of their enduring faith in Christ.  These branches are further pruned in order to become even more fruitful.  “Pruning occurs when He removes anything that keeps the vital flow of Christ in them.  For us to grow spiritually, become purposeful and remain in a healthy relationship with Christ we have to cut the bad influences and distractions out of our lives. We can't continue to pursue worldly values which don't correspond with godly values” (Alannah Francis). 

This pruning might not feel so good at times!  However, it does bring fruit that brings glory to God through your life and witness.   People are watching you.  “Your life may be the only Bible people ever read” (Dr. Ed Newton). 

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