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. (John 15:1-2)

God often speaks to us through metaphors in His Word.

There are actually numerous kinds of trees, hardwood, and softwood, porous, thorny, rotten and quick growing weeds often mistaken for trees.

When a small tree gets transplanted, it is important to reinforce it to grow in the right direction. However, if the reinforcements aren’t removed after a certain time, it actually hinders the tree itself as it begins to depend on the supports rather than strengthening its own roots to hold its own structure.

Likewise, some Christians can become very dependent on their support structures instead of learning to rely on God Himself when pressures come.

Trees aren’t meant to live in a greenhouse forever.

As Christians, it is important to have that early season of frequent watering, infilling of nutrients and constant care. But for long-term growth, it is equally important to move on to another season of branching out on your own to develop a stronger faith walking out your own personal beliefs. This means staying hungry (passionate for God), spending time with Him as your greatest source while transitioning from being discipled on a daily basis to eventually discipling others.

What will you look like after a storm?  

If you have taken time to learn how to encourage and feed yourself in the Lord, you will survive the storms that only serve to make you stronger. A storm will reveal how deep and durable your roots have grown over time. Just as some trees are easily blown over by a common storm, others withstand incredible pressure. There is a such thing as “root rot” caused by differing harmful effects—insects eroding a tree from the inside out, too much water, or just not the right atmosphere in the ground. It is important to catch this early to prevent completely eroding a tree (or person) from the very core. Rot-proof your roots! Inner strength determines a strong exterior.

Circumstances shouldn’t determine how you grow, but YOU determine how you grow.

Within the life of a tree, there are times of pruning to remove dead branches and even cut live branches to create new shoots of growth for the tree. In our lives, these “dead branches” represent bad habits, poor attitudes and repeated past actions that only cause dead weight and hurt ourselves and others. Cutting some excess live branches also promotes and actually ensures the greatest long-term life of a tree. For a person this could mean reducing some good things in our lives to bring out the “best” in us.

Ultimately our greatest purpose is bearing fruit.

Fruit grows naturally in the right conditions and is not stressful or forced. Plant yourself where you can thrive bearing good fruit that will last. Find the places where growth is most possible in your life. Wholesome environments are essential to thrive.