Trimming Tomatoes and Glorifying the Gardener



I have been keenly aware of the importance of pruning lately. Specifically, the diligent pruning that tomato plants require for optimal growth and fruit production. When tomatoes are pruned correctly, they have one strong central stalk and fruit-bearing branches that reach out from the stalk. Careful pruning requires constant attention and an awareness of the unique structure of the plant. The diligent gardener knows each tomato plant well enough to recognize new growth early, and then knows which branches to leave and which to prune. The challenge is that tomato branches multiply overnight.

I have been watching our tomato plants transform themselves into chaotic bundles of branches, leaves and growing green fruit. We could have (read: should have) been more diligent about pruning from the very get-go. But we weren't, and our tomato plants have as many as five main stalks and a nest of intertwined branches. I'm sure they will still bear fruit, but we haven't exactly maximized their tomato-producing capabilities.



As I am increasingly appreciative of the value of pruning, I'm aware of the areas in my life where God is actively directing my personal, professional and spiritual growth. While God clarifies my present call to my work, it seems that God is also removing attitudes and patterns that may hinder my growth in this area. This process is as exciting as it is painful. In every way it is good.

In light of the pruning motif weaving its way through my life, I recently opened to John 15 where Jesus describes spiritual growth in the context of a garden. In this illusory passage, Jesus says that He is the vine and his Father is the gardener. Every branch in Him that does not bear fruit is removed, and every branch that does bear fruit is pruned so that it becomes even more productive. He goes on to state that He is the vine and we are the branches. We are the fruit-bearing portion of the illusion.

Two things struck me as I was ingesting this scenario. First, Jesus is the only character in the scenario who is pruned. Jesus was pruned. Jesus (God incarnate) was sanctified. Jesus wasn't pruned because He was spiritually lacking. Jesus was subjected to painful processes so that we might bear more fruit.

Secondly, the only guidance for Christ followers in this passage is to remain in Him. This is a far more passive approach than I anticipated! That word--remain--is used in practically every sentence from this point on. As branches, we reliant extensions of the Vine. Its a physical placement as well as a state of being. The pruning that Jesus has endured on our behalf is enough. Our role is to abide, to be continually connected, to remain as one with the Vine. When we do this, the life that we receive from the strong central Vine allows us to bear lasting fruit. And the fruit is the glory of the plant, aaaaand the gardener!