The Humility of Being Pruned
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2
Pruning (verb):
1. A: To reduce especially by eliminating superfluous matter
2. To cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth
In Merriam Webster’s dictionary, the definition of pruning is to cut off parts of a plant for more fruitful growth. Its purpose is to reduce superfluous, or unnecessary, matter to help the plant flourish and thrive. It is the same with spiritual pruning. God is the vinedresser who prunes the life of everyone abiding in Christ that they may grow in sanctification and bear the fruit of Christ. If we are being honest, no one likes the pruning stage. However, it is necessary for spiritual growth and maturity. Although it seems harsh to prune a plant, cutting away dead or overgrown branches helps the plant grow. What is being cut away from the plant does not help it in the long run. It is the same with us. Though the process of cutting out overgrown bad habits or sinful routines is painful, they help us bloom into our God-given purpose. It is not an act of punishment, but a reward. Because God loves us, He prunes us.
The Refiner
“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts.” Proverbs 17:3.
Just like a furnace refines gold, forging it through fire, we are tested in our trials to refine our hearts. To put it plainly, our struggles help us grow. Pruning is a struggle because naturally, we want to cling to what are used to. You see, because God loves us, He refines us, and we are allowed to be placed in situations where we have the opportunity to choose differently than in the past. God uses all things for His good and glory. As Christians, we will struggle for the rest of our lives between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the spirit. What I mean by that is that sometimes we can know something is good for us and still not want to do it, even though we know its benefit. Human nature is sinful and therefore it is natural to be stubborn, to fight against what God wants to do within you and through you. Yet, we can be encouraged knowing that our shaping is being used for our good and God’s glory.
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7
A couple of weeks ago, I asked the Lord to reveal any hidden pride or sin in my heart that I was not acknowledging. I prayed on help in removing the negative traits I had been holding onto. Afterwards, whilst scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon a quote that said, "What you are not changing, you're choosing." The words hit my chest immediately. I knew God was responding to me. Yes, He is my deliverer and help in the day of trouble (Psalm 50:15), but it had to be my choice as well. I couldn't simply pray, acknowledge my error, and then continue to do it. I had to act on what I acknowledged, and act differently than I would have before. If I am not changing something, I'm choosing it.
Do you know what the beautiful thing is? The Lord revealed this to my heart because He wants me to grow. He revealed this because humility is an important part of not only being a disciple of Christ (James 4:10), but of growth, and will often involve rebuke. He rebukes me because He loves me (Proverbs 3:11-12). He wants me to grow spiritually closer to Him and needs to correct me for that to happen. He provides the revelation, the answer, the encouragement, and the strength through all of it. He is our provider in every situation, but we have the choice. We decide whether we stay in pride or humble ourselves to be pruned.
The Armor of God
So how can we fight against sin, against pride, against our own desires to stop God’s work in us? Praise God that He not only tells us truth, but He provides a way out. Let’s take a look at these verses in Ephesians.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," Ephesians 6:13-18
By reading God’s Word, praying, and remembering His truthful promises, we can stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. We have a living hope that deepens our faith and strengthens our resolve. That hope is Jesus. We have the belt of truth, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. Your bible is literally a weapon against any spiritual attacks by the enemy. My prayer for you today dear readers, and for myself, is that you would surrender to God’s pruning. Let Him rebuke you. Let Him humble you. Let Him grow you. Spend time with Him in His Word and rest assured that your confidence in God is not wasted because He who promised is faithful.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
