A Time to Prune...

John 15:1-17 is a pretty familiar passage of Scripture in Christian circles. It's about Jesus being the Vine and we are the branches. It talks about the need for pruning. Jesus talks of how sometimes we need to be cut back in order to grow. In ministry, I've found that there are definitely some times that call for pruning. Sometimes that involves asking people to step aside, change their ministry, or to change some behaviors. Pruning can be difficult. When pruning, it sometimes appears that you're cutting away something beautiful. But, when things blossom, it's obvious by the beauty of what is now seen why the pruning needed to take place. In the church, sometimes we need to prune ministries in order for them to grow and flourish. Sometimes we need to cut things back in order for God's glory to be revealed in greater ways...And in the way He wants them it to be...I feel that we're at a moment in our ministry at the church where in order for us to move forward with God's vision, we have to be willing to do some pruning. Sometimes it hurts and takes a while for the growth and blossoms to appear. But, in order to be faithful to what the Father is calling us to...It's sometimes necessary.

What do you need to prune in your life in order to become what God is calling you to be?