This past Sunday, I’d say was one of those days when I realize that God is and has been doing something to and in me and that He’s definitely not done with the work that He started in me.
I think I was also reminded of some things that I seem to so easily forget… And to that point, what a reminder of how important it is to read His word daily! I don’t think it’s a coincidence that nearly half the bible is a history of how the Israelites turned to and away from God constantly forgetting His faithfulness and reverting to their sinful ways. And each time, if only they repented and sought after God, He accepted them. God knows that I’m weak and will stumble and all those stories are there to remind me that even when I find myself back at the snafu-bar, He is there waiting for me to come back.
The past few weeks, PB has spoken on Galatians… (and right about now, I wish that I’d taken notes… something that I think I’ll take up again!)
And this past weekend, the message that resounded with me was that of organic growth (and actually, I can’t seem to remember why he called it “organic”! =P).
Anyway, organic growth as I understood it is something that is slow and gradual. Something that you don’t notice as it’s happening, but when seen through the passage of time, is quite astounding. Like an infant growing to be a toddler then a teenager and eventually a fully grown adult. Changes are happening every day. New experiences serve to increase knowledge and build character. But the emphasis is on gradual growth.
And how is this growth measured? In terms of Christian life, a gauge of one’s growth might be the presence of the Fruit of the Spirit:
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control ; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:16-24 ESV
In the three months following what I perceived as the near elimination of fruit in my life, I’ve begun to regain traction and think God’s managed to bring me back onto the narrow road.
But the more I consider these past few months, the more I can’t help but think it was part of a grander plan to mold my character and teach me lessons that I couldn’t have learned without these experiences.
Organic growth is gradual. But it can also be painful!
Jesus said:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit . Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit , for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:1-11 ESV
What does it mean that “every branch that does bear fruit he prunes” ?
And there’s the answer. I can just imagine myself as a growing branch which is supposed to bear fruit. There I was thinking that I was just fine producing little fruit and being content with what I was producing… not quite realizing that I had greater potential. And then comes God with His giant mega-clippers and cuts me off so near the base that I think that I’ve nearly died and can’t imagine bearing any kind of fruit whatsoever! And yet, much like plants which grow bigger and stronger when healthy branches are cut off, perhaps my experiences of the past few months were meant to really shape my growth and enable God to prune me properly so that I can be capable of bearing greater fruit as I progress through this life. I guess I just hope that I won’t experience again as intense a pruning experience as this most recent during my remaining lifetime of growth (and yet, somehow, I think that further pruning will be necessary…) ! =) |