The Master Gardener

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

John 15:1-2

I am a wannabe gardener. I love all kinds of plants, flowers and trees. However, gardening doesn’t come naturally to me. I am so excited when something grows that I can’t stand the thought of cutting it back.

I have tried my hand at pruning. The saying, “A little learning is a dangerous thing,” is true in my case. Although it might be better stated as, “Pruning shears in the hands of an unskilled gardener is a dangerous thing.”

I haphazardly hacked away using the trial and error method. Some plants surprisingly thrived after my feeble attempts. Others tried desperately to survive the butchering I inflicted upon them. Some were too far damaged to live.

Thankfully, our Master Gardener knows exactly what we need. He expertly selects the areas in our lives that need to be trimmed back. He meticulously and gently cuts away all that doesn’t reflect our true nature. He allows to flourish those that do.

The same type of pruning doesn’t work equally well on all trees and plants. I have learned that from my pruning experiences. We are all uniquely crafted by our Creator. What works for one of us may have a devastating effect on another. Our Gardener individualizes the pruning plan for each one of us to help us become who He envisioned us to be.

Pruning is an ongoing process. One time isn’t enough. Such is the case in our lives. God will have His shears out throughout our lifetimes, fine-tuning His masterpieces.

The goal of pruning is to help the plants grow healthier, fuller and more fruitful. After the pruning of trials, we come back even stronger. Eating and drinking from God’s word makes us healthier. Spending time with Jesus changes us to be more like Him. Then the fruit of the Spirit can grow abundantly.

Terri