He takes away every branch in Me that does not bear fruit; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 NASB
More Fruit!
Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell. Edward Abbey
In God's kingdom, the purpose of growth is to bear fruit.
How easy it is in our selfish mindsets to focus on growth because it seems so beautiful.
One of the prettiest plants I have ever encountered was my 95-year-old great-grandmother's untended grapevines.
They looked so healthy!
Yet, the growth had hijacked all the nutrients, resulting in very little fruit.
Did it look good? Yes.
Was it profitable? No.
In the Father's wisdom, He will reward our growth...with pruning!
May we learn to love the pruning as much as the growth, for both lead us to bear more fruit.
How may you have sought the growth (means) instead of the fruit (end)?
How do you describe a fruitful life?
Lord, may we abide in You as You abide in us. Holy Spirit flow freely through our union with Christ so we may bear much fruit! Amen