John 15:1-17
The definition of flourishing is “Marked by vigorous and healthy growth, a flourishing garden. Healthy, grow, develop, thrive.” Now, how can we take this and apply it to our spiritual lives? Are we flourishing, growing, developing, and thriving spiritually?
Let’s take a look at 3 ways to flourish spiritually, grow and become more like Christ.
- REMAIN: Remaining in the vine is the only way to find life and thrive spiritually.
A branch of a tree that is broken off will not live, it will die. That is the picture Jesus is painting for his first disciples and for us. Specifically this means we must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We need to experience a rebirth where we commit our lives to Jesus and are born again. And we need to remain in him through prayer, scripture and faithful obedience.
- PRUNE: Pruning is necessary and good, even if unpleasant.
It’s good to eliminate “dead wood” that blocks growth. The purpose of pruning? To cut away dead or overgrown branches to increase fruitfulness and growth. How about us? What is blocking our spiritual fruitfulness? What area(s) do we need to work with God to “prune back” in our own lives?
- FRUITFULNESS: Bearing fruit is the purpose of life.
What is the purpose of life? Fruitfulness. You were not created to just take up space. You were created to make a difference, to impact others by giving, serving and blessing them. The purpose of a vineyard is to produce grapes and the purpose of an apple orchard is to produce apples. The purpose of our lives is to be fruitful – to bear fruit for others and to build our character fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Pray with me, “Lord, may I remain in you, prune back whatever is distracting in my life, and bear fruit (leading others to you and showing the character of Christ).”