One of the important lessons we can learn from the
gardener for our journey of faith is the need for
pruning, cutting off some parts of the plant at the
right time and in the right places. Some of the reasons
to prune include improving the plants’ overall
health, direct new growth, preventing the spread
of disease and to increase the number and quality
of fruit, flowers and foliage.
The natural things of life often are metaphors for the
journey of discipleship. Just as it is important to
prune plants, it is also important to participate in
God’s season of pruning in our walk of faith. Whilst
the pruning of persons sounds painful, in God’s wisdom,
it is necessary to prune the flaws in our character
and the distractions out of our lives in order to
gain spiritual health and growth, and become purposeful
in serving Christ.
Clearly Jesus does have expectations from us. He
loves us enough to see that we are given what we
need to bear fruit for him. The fruitfulness of the first
disciples is visible today as they are the ones who
established the Church. May we draw our wisdom
and strength from Christ for service in God’s kingdom,
as we abide in him.
Every blessing,
Vuyelwa.
