Every gardener understands the importance and value of pruning. The unproductive growth of a plant will take away nutrients and choke out the productive growth. Without proper pruning, the entire harvest will suffer thus producing fruit that is not eatable or desirable.

     Jesus spoke of this process in the fifteenth chapter of John. He said, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:2).

     We must all admit there are areas in our lives that need pruning. What we often fail to realize is that without pruning, we actually hinder our growth in the Lord. There may be some temporal pleasure in vices, habits, and addictions; but that fleeting pleasure hinders you from a life of joy and contentment. Much like the unproductive branches, they sap the spiritual nutrients and cause your fruit to be wilted and unhealthy.

     Take out the spiritual shears and start cutting off those lifeless, droopy vines. Don’t feed them any longer. Don’t allow them to keep robbing you of the joy that is in Christ. Recognize what they are doing to your fruit, your faith, and your future, and get to hacking.