I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
-John 15:1 - 4
I am happily on Spring Break this week, and though I would love to be on the beach feeling a gentle breeze and gazing at the beautiful water, I am at home. My children are on different schedules, so I am getting much needed rest and relaxation right here in the Bull City. As I sit here, fighting some type of cold or flu virus, I am feeling an overwhelming urge to purge. Maybe it is because the seasons have changed, or maybe it is because it is the first time I have gotten the opportunity to do so since Christmas break. Either way, it is time to get rid of some old stuff and make room for the new. Quite naturally, there are clothes and trinkets that have over-stayed their usefulness, but today I feel that God wants to purge more than my closets.
Purge means to get rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; to cleanse; to purify. God is leading me to purge some old habits, attitudes, and even old ways of doing things. There are some things in me or concerning me that are no longer desirable. Maybe they had purpose years ago, but they are ineffective now. I have to be wise enough and brave enough to let them go. He is leading me into new adventures in ministry (and life), and that is going to require me to do things differently. As more time is used to study, write, and prepare for ministry, I have to eliminate things that have previously taken my time. I also have to make sure that my husband, family, and loved ones know that they are still the priority. I am sure that God is leading you into new things as well, are there things that He is asking you to lay aside so that you can be free to serve Him fully?
I have found one of the most effective means God uses to get my attention is my husband. I can tell from his actions, words, and behavior when I need to adapt and adjust. I have to listen when he makes comments on my behavior. I have to learn from his nonverbal cues. I have to engage in real conversation with him and be prepared for his input. Sometimes he lets me know that I need to get rid of a negative attitude or selfishness. Sometimes he tells me I need to refine my words. I have to trust that he says those things for my good, and that I will be better if I take heed to them.
Are there things in your spiritual life that you need to purge? Could God be using this time to empty you of some things that are unwanted or undesirable? Is He using your spouse or someone close to you to purify you? I encourage you to let the Master Vinedresser take away everything in you that is not bearing fruit so that ultimately you can be more productive!
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