Pruned to Grow

If you’ve ever gardened, there may have been times you had to prune a tree or two; or even thousands. Why? Because when you prune (cut back or cut off), you are removing branches that are stealing the food, nutrients and water from the other branches. If you don’t cut them off, they will prevent the other branches from developing to their fullest potential.

So it is with us, there are things (branches) that will crop up and begin to grow in our lives that are stealing the potential of those areas that need to grow spiritually. If we don’t allow God to prune us by His word, we will not be able to develop to our fullest potential. What things you may ask need to be pruned? Instead of making out a list of Do’s and Don’ts, I will give a few examples. It may be something as simple as what we’re watching on TV, or the amount of time spent watching it. Or, how we treat others on the job, home, school or church. Are we spending time to pray, or are we allowing things to steal that time from us?

How, you may ask, are we pruned? We’re pruned with God’s Word. As we read and study the Bible, God will show us areas that need to be adjusted or even cut off. Warning, you should never feel condemned when God shows you something in your life he wants trimmed or cut off. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:1, “There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ”.

Today, as you read your Bible, ask the Lord to show you what may be sapping away the abundant life He wants for you. As you do, you’ll grow stronger and produce fruit in your lives that others will see. When they see that fruit, I’m sure they’ll one day ask you about your life, and you will have the greatest opportunity to tell them about the Master Gardener Himself, God Almighty. So, go forth and be pruned today.