Pruning: trim a tree, shrub, or bush by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness or growth. (Definition by Oxford Languages)
As a youngster, I mowed grass, weeded and raked leaves. I didn’t take much interest in gardening. As I age, though, I take pleasure in planting and maintaining the flowers, bushes and plants in our yard. I have learned to prune and understand the benefits of doing so.
How does this pertain to my Christian walk? Do I need to do some spiritual pruning? What do I need to bring into submission to God? Do I feel the shears, understanding the need to cut away certain thoughts, behaviors and attitudes to make my Christian walk more fruitful? Whatever it is, know that this process is meant to bring us into spiritual maturity as we grow in Christ likeness. Just as the physical pruning of a plant brings about fruitfulness or growth, so does the spiritual pruning bring about fruitfulness and growth in our walk so that we may allow the Holy Spirit to work in us.
Let us not be resistant to the pruning shears. This change, this process, is transforming us from the inside out, changing us into the new person God want us to be, day by day.
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”