Submitting to God as He Reproves (Prunes) and Directs You

   

If you are reading this right now, you may be going through a spiritual pruning. Spiritual pruning is the process of removing the unfruitful or harmful aspects of our lives to make room for fruitful and beneficial ones. It is a form of discipline that God uses to help us grow spiritually and become more like Christ. Hebrews 12:6, “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Pruning may involve cutting off sinful habits, unhealthy relationships, worldly distractions, or anything else that hinders our spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

 

We know that God is love and that He wants us to develop His qualities. We have been chosen to be like Him. We are His bride, and we shall rule and reign with Him. God is therefore perfecting us in this life through the things we experience. There may be some things in your life that need to be changed. God wants you to face them and make the right choices. You will find yourself having to make some tough life decisions.

 

As an avid gardener, I sometimes have to undertake the painful task of pruning my fruit trees. Sometimes I do this to maintain the plant’s health and aesthetics. Pruning when done correctly benefits the tree and its owner. I have experienced the pruning of the Lord Jesus Christ in my life many times. Each of us has our individual strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs. Our beliefs and personalities are shaped by where we were born, how we were educated, the family we were raised in, our unique experiences, and our DNA (Divine Natural Abilities).

 

When we get saved and surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, He wants us to be transformed and conformed into His image and likeness. That is where our greatest battle begins. I struggled with telling the truth. When I was growing up my friends called me by the nickname Wizla, because they said I was a trickster. After I became a Christian, I was confronted with many situations where I tried to “wizzle” my way out, but I was confronted by the word of God which told me that I could no longer operate in that way. That became a challenge for me. What are some of the habits in your life that you know are contrary to the word of God, but you like to do them? Do they include adultery, fornication, stealing, unforgiveness, envy, or others?

 

Spiritual pruning involves being put in situations where you are confronted by your bad habits, thoughts, beliefs, emotions, relationships, or attachments that are preventing you from reaching your true potential and you are forced to let go of them. You may not want to, but you have to make a choice. It is a form of discipline that God uses to help us grow spiritually and become more like Christ. Pruning may involve cutting off sinful habits, unhealthy relationships, worldly distractions, or anything else that hinders our spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

 

 

Spiritual Pruning is a Scripturally Based Principle

 

We have been told by the Lord to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1). When an animal was offered as a sacrifice it was slain and then placed on the altar for an offering. We, however, are living sacrifices, so we feel the pain of change. That is why Hebrews 12:11 states, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

 

The pruning that you are going through at this time may be causing you to feel sad and downhearted. You may even feel like you should give up and walk away from the faith. I am encouraging you not to give up. As the bible states in Hebrews 12:12, “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” This means that even though you are going through your pruning, the Lord Jesus wants you to encourage yourself. Rest assured that He is working it out for your good.

 

Here are some Bible verses that show why God is allowing you to go through this process:

- John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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.”

- Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

- Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

- Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

 

 

Challenges of Spiritual Pruning

 

- Pruning requires humility. We need to acknowledge our need for God’s correction and guidance and submit to His will.

- Pruning requires faith. We need to trust God’s goodness and wisdom, even when we don’t understand His ways or see His plans.

- Pruning requires patience. We need to endure God’s discipline with perseverance and hope, knowing that He is working for our good.

- Pruning requires obedience. We need to follow God’s commands and instructions, even when they go against our preferences or desires.

 

 

Ways in which spiritual pruning can have a positive impact on our spiritual growth:

 

Spiritual pruning is not easy or comfortable. It can be challenging in many ways. The process often involves self-reflection, introspection, and sometimes seeking guidance from spiritual mentors or practices such as meditation, prayer, or mindfulness. By eliminating distractions, negativity, and excess baggage from your life, you can create space for new growth, greater clarity, and a deeper connection with your spiritual beliefs or higher purpose. It is about purifying the mind, heart, and soul, to cultivate a more harmonious and fulfilling spiritual life.

 

- Pruning helps us abide in Christ. As we remain connected to the true vine, we receive His life and grace to bear fruit for His glory.

- Pruning helps us become more like Christ. As we are “conformed” to His image, we reflect His character and love to others.

- Pruning helps us produce more fruit. As we are refined by God’s discipline, we become more productive and effective in His Kingdom.

- Pruning helps us experience more joy. As we are filled with His Spirit, we overflow with His joy and peace.

- Pruning leads to spiritual transformation. As we are changed from the inside out by God’s grace, we become new creations in Christ.

- Pruning leads to spiritual maturity. As we grow in wisdom and understanding of God’s Word, we become more equipped and ready for every good work.

- Pruning leads to spiritual reward. As we serve God faithfully and fruitfully by His power, we receive His approval and blessing.

- Pruning leads to spiritual legacy. As we share God’s love and truth with others through our words and actions, we make a lasting impact on their lives.

 

 

Impacts on Our Personal Growth:

 

Mental Clarity and Peace: Pruning the mind of negative thought patterns and distractions fosters mental clarity, peace, and focus. This can lead to better decision-making, increased productivity, and a deeper sense of inner calm.

 

Emotional Well-being: Pruning the heart of negative emotions and cultivating love, compassion, and forgiveness promotes emotional resilience, satisfaction, and healthier relationships. It allows for greater joy, contentment, and a sense of fulfillment in life.

 

Alignment with Higher Values: Pruning the will of selfish desires and aligning with higher principles or spiritual values leads to a sense of purpose, integrity, and authenticity. It fosters a deeper connection with one's inner truth and a more meaningful way of living.

 

Strength of Character: Pruning character weaknesses and cultivating virtues such as honesty, humility, and patience builds inner strength, resilience, and moral integrity. It enhances self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with grace and dignity.

 

Healthy Relationships: Pruning toxic relationships and nurturing healthy connections based on mutual respect and empathy fosters deeper intimacy, trust, and support in relationships. It leads to greater harmony, communication, and fulfillment in personal and professional interactions.

Clarity of Purpose: Pruning distractions and clarifying one's purpose or calling in life provides direction, focus, and motivation. It empowers individuals to pursue goals aligned with their passions and values, leading to a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

 

Spiritual Connection and Growth: Pruning barriers to spiritual connection and deepening one's relationship with the divine or higher power fosters inner peace, spiritual fulfillment, and a sense of interconnectedness with all beings. It leads to greater wisdom, compassion, and a transcendent perspective on life's challenges.

 

No one likes chastisement at the outset, however, with hindsight you will be able to appreciate it. 2 Timothy 3:16-7, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” By embracing God’s pruning in our lives, we can experience a more fulfilled and purposeful life that glorifies Him and blesses others. I am asking you not to run away from your test but to surrender your will to His will and allow yourself to be transformed into His image and character.