It’s Not Punishment, It’s Pruning: 4 Ways God Develops You
One does not magically become like Jesus, although it would be nice! Salvation is instant but sanctification is a process. It takes time to become patient, to learn how to have joy in difficult situations, and develop the willpower to resist different temptations. It’s not something we can achieve in our own strength. We have to be developed by God and that’s where pruning comes in.
What is Pruning?
“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
In nature, pruning is a process done to fruit-bearing plants to facilitate healthy growth. As believers, Jesus compares our spiritual growth to that of a vine plant. In order to bear spiritual fruit (see Galatians 5:19-23) and walk in the purpose God has for you, you have to be pruned. Like a gardener tends to plants, God is overseeing your growth so that you will mature in Christ and live the life He created you for.
As I studied this topic I found four reasons for pruning. If you are in a pruning season right now or aren’t sure, take a look at this list. God prunes us for our good so that we can be spiritually healthy and fruitful.
Why Does God Prune Us?
1) To Remove What’s Dead or Dying
As you mature in Christ, there will be things that you no longer desire as your desire for God increases. There may also be things that you try to hold on to, things that God wants you to let go of. In both cases, God will remove those items from your life. He may isolate you by placing you in a new environment. He could give you insight about someone’s true intentions toward you so you can take the necessary steps to cut ties with that person. However it happens, remember that it’s crucial to remove dead things so there is space for new things to grow.
2) To Remove What’s Infected or Diseased
An area that is sick will never be able to grow to its full potential. Until it’s healed, it will always be bound and restricted in some way. Thought patterns developed in childhood, traumas from the past, and influences from culture have shaped our thinking. Once in Christ, we have to allow God to renew our minds so we no longer think and act according to the pattern of the world. This type of pruning may look like God instructing you to guard your heart and mind by changing who you follow and listen to, what you watch, or who you take advice from.
He’ll also reveal the roots of your vices, insecurities, and fears, and teach you how to walk in freedom. It may mean forgiving that person who abused you, finding love and acceptance in Christ instead of romantic relationships, or seeking counseling to work through childhood trauma. This type of pruning can be especially painful because it’s like surgery. God has to open a wound to heal it.
3) To Remove What is Hindering You
God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:10-11
Pruning isn’t solely for removing things that are overtly bad for you. Sometimes God has to remove good things that aren’t good for you. If left unchecked, they will hinder your spiritual growth in the long run. Often, what holds us back aren’t people or environments, but habits and mindsets.
For example, you may be praying to God for a higher-paying job so you can be financially secure, but God says no and tells you to keep the job you have. This may seem unfair or like God doesn’t have your best interest at heart, but trust me He does. Maybe you’ve been unfaithful with stewarding the income you have (not tithing, racking up credit card debt, etc…) and He knows you’re not ready to handle more. He doesn’t want to give you more money because He knows you’ll dig yourself into a deeper hole. You may think if you had more you’d manage it better but more money doesn’t equal more discipline. God wants to develop your discipline and self-control.
Another example is God moving you out of your comfort zone. For me, that looked like moving to a new city where I barely knew anyone. Sometimes we outgrow our current environment and need to be moved so we can be challenged and stretched. Your faith is built stronger when you don’t know the answers and have no one to lean on but God. Situations like this will cause you to seek Him more often and learn to hear His voice in new ways. Ways you never would have if things stayed the same.
Related Post - Why You Should Let Go and Trust God Instead of Holding On
4) To Keep You Focused & on the Right Track
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
Without pruning, a tree’s branches will grow in any and every direction. There is no focus. For a season, those branches grow leaves and bear fruit, but eventually, too many branches become more of a burden than a blessing.
Practically, this can look like busyness. We can become so passionate about doing things for God that we forget to do things with Him, and at His pace. You might start serving in multiple areas at church to bring glory to God. On the flip side, you may be chasing after your goals - pursuing promotions, dating, starting a business, or growing your influence. In either case, you need to be intentional not to pursue anything unless God is leading you to. Otherwise, your attention will be too divided and you will miss out on the thing God wants you to focus on.
We have to allow God to lead us so that we don’t become burdened and overwhelmed with things He never told us to take on; things that will distract us from His will. For a while, it may look like you have it all together, but in the end, your faith will suffocate and you’ll crumble from the pressure. Allow God to set your priorities and focus. Don’t burden yourself trying to keep up with society’s expectations. Surrender to Christ and take on His yoke. After all, His burden is easy and light (Matthew 11:28-30).
Don’t Resist It
Pruning isn’t comfortable but it’s a natural and necessary part of following Christ. At times it will be bearable and other times it may be excruciating, but it’s all for your good. The pain has a purpose. Stay focused on Jesus, the author and, perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). In Him, you can do all things (Philippians 4:13).