Fruity!

I LOVE fruit! (I've been starting a lot of posts this way lately, but I'm just a passionate person. =))  We eat LOTS more variety & quantity in the summer because the prices are lower at the store then.  So I was thinking about fruit the other day, & how there are lots of agricultural, & particularly horticultural word pictures and parables in the Bible.  And I was pondering the ideas of bearing fruit & pruning.  So I did some research about pruning-- since I didn't know much about it at the time. =)

I found out that as a general rule, fruit trees need to be pruned at the beginning of the planting season, and again at the beginning of the dormant season.  The timing of the pruning process is essential to fruit production.  The other thing that I found incredibly interesting is that if fruit trees are NOT pruned, their fruit production will dramatically decrease or even stop altogether!  We know from science class that plants need leaves for photosynthesis, so they can feed themselves.  The thing about fruit trees (and grapevines) is that if they are left to themselves, they will put all their energy into growing more leaves!

This information really hit me as regards my spiritual growth.  I am inclined to spend all my energies on "feeding" myself.  But God saved me to bear fruit for Him.  So He wisely removes some of the extra leaves and branches in my life at timely intervals.  The other thing is that I grow most under pressure.  Nobody expects to find apples on a tree in Maine in December! ;)  God applies the "summer" of difficult circumstances for a while & then gives me a break.  And before & after "summer" He prunes me so that He'll get even MORE fruit next time. =)

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. 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.
John 15:1-8