1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 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. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:1-2, 5-7 

Gardening is a process that demands time, attention, and results. No one would set out to intentionally plant an unproductive garden. In this parable, God is the gardener. We learn that productivity is important to God and He does what is necessary to men to cause the desired result. He removes the unproductive branch and prunes the productive one. As the branches, men have one job and it is not what you may think.

The job of a man is to remain in the vine. The most productive activity is to stay connected to the source of nutrient because the outcome is always fruit. Recognize it is God who shapes and tends to the branch, while Jesus is the lifeline. Become familiar with your role so that you do not try and do God's. Accept the wounds that come with pruning out of trust for the Gardner. Let time with Jesus fuel your productivity. Give evidence to your discipleship by remaining in Christ and letting the results happen.

DO THIS TODAY: Meditate on the Words of Jesus.