There are a few important steps to properly care for a tree. Fertilization, watering, pruning, and the list goes on. Every tree starts out small, but give it some time, and it is a force to be reckoned with, not easily knocked down, and its branches will thrive with fruit. That is, of course, as long as it is strongly rooted.
Our life can be compared to a tree. Us, being the branch that either bears good or bad fruit. It is easy to identify if the fruit of your life has been good or bad. Tally the areas of your life right now. Think about your family, health, finances, love life, your soul. Think about how life has been going lately and decide right at this moment what kind of fruit your life is producing. Perhaps things haven’t been so great. It’s easy to find the reason behind that.
The Bible makes a similar comparison in the Book of John:
“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 bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. “ John 15:1-3
Are you connected to the true vine? Have you been pruned to bear good fruit? Your life can answer these questions for you. When we are connected to the Lord Jesus, our life becomes a testimony of Him. We are pruned for excellence, cleansed, and taken care of. The Word of God itself cleanses us.
When we read the Bible, God is able to direct us, teach us, and take away everything that soils our life. However, that only happens when we obey.
If we liken ourselves to a branch of a tree, we will never see obedience to God’s Word as a choice but as a natural part of our life. A tree branch simply goes where the natural course of the tree pushes it. It grows with the tree, allows itself to be pruned and cleansed, and as a result, it bears much fruit.
Become this branch and allow the Vinedresser (God) to work in you so that your life will bear good fruit.
May the God of the Bible bless you!
Bishop Bira Joshua
