I have a philodendron in my living room.
Since philodendrons are easy to grow, needing little direct sunlight, I can grow them well. Mine was given to me by a friend who I helped move. It sits by a window with the blinds cracked where it can receive partial sunshine. I’ve learned I must prune dead leaves off occasionally. Most have been blocked from the sun by other leaves.
I’m reminded of the time when Jesus says God is like a gardener who prunes useless branches from a vine. He further explains that God prunes to make the vine more fruitful. Jesus personalizes His point when He tells us we are the branches God is pruning.
God knows our stubborn habits. Our selfish tendencies aren’t hidden from Him. He’s trying to remove the useless things holding us back from becoming more like Jesus. He’ll be more persistent than all those thorns we often lash out at Him with when He messes with our will for our life.
Pruning hurts. I know it all too well. But I want to be the best I can be in the work of building God’s kingdom. God is never closer than when He’s pruning us. The pain it brings is necessary. The love involved is real. The fruitfulness it brings is amazing.
Let God do His work of pruning you.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Wade, I agree, pruning is painful; yet the outcome produces something beautiful. In the past, I reluctantly pruned my plants, but with time I learned to trust the process to my enlightenment. Plants flourish, and so do we. Is it any wonder God uses such an analogy? Thanks for sharing.