For You From The Word
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:2, NIV)
For You To Think About
Second in a series of renewing your passion for the cause of life
When it comes to ensuring healthy growth, pruning is one of a gardener’s most important tasks.
You prune two kinds of branches – those that do not produce fruit and those that do produce fruit.
1. Dead Wood
In the pruning process, branches that do not produce fruit (sometimes called “dead wood”) are cut away completely. Pruning dead wood makes a way for the plant to be transformed.
As you consider your time devoted to promoting a choice for life, are there any areas that are not producing fruit at all? Perhaps your time would be better spent in cutting them from your life.
2. Better Wood
Healthy pruning allows branches that do produce fruit to be cut away too, but with the express purpose that they yield an even greater harvest.
As you serve, carefully examine the time you spend that produces fruit in the fight for life.
Maybe you have seen hearts changed … families transformed … lives saved.
Are you continuing to grow as you serve in those areas? How can you grow more? Consider your attitude. Examine the relationships you build. Look at the lives that change, including your own.
Your call to stand for life can produce even more fruit in your life. Ask God to show you where and what to prune. When you prune wisely, you allow God to work a whole new season of growth in your pro-life service.
For You To Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the opportunity to serve in the cause of life. Show me what areas are producing fruit for your Kingdom – and what areas are not producing fruit at all. Help me know how to invest my time to serve You best.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More about Renewal
Renewal for the Cause of Life, Part 1: Clean Out