Deadheads

“. . . And every branch that bringeth forth good fruit He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2)

Pruning is a needful process that encourages a plant’s growth. Spent or faded flowers (deadheads) on a plant rob its growth as the roots draw moisture and nutrients to feed the stems or branches and what is attached, even if it’s dying. Pruning is necessary for removing that which hinders growth and encourages healthy plants to be more fruitful. However, plants cannot self-prune; they are dependent upon their caretakers.

Pruning is a tedious process but well worth the effort for vegetation as well as God’s children. God planted us on this earth for fellowship with Him and to bring glory to His great name. As we go about doing our Father’s work, we sometimes grow weary and neglect to care for our “plant.” Wrong attitudes and actions develop faded and spent results along the way. Unlike a plant, people can self-prune, but we often do so sparingly to avoid the agony of severing a piece we long to keep. When God prunes His children, productive ones or those burdened with the world’s cares and selfish desires, He knows exactly where and how much to cut back for healthy growth to sprout; cuts that will encourage more productiveness.

Although the pruning process seems hurtful, the trimming paves the way for a healthy, fruitful plant that is pleasant to the eye. There are no deadheads in God’s garden. He not only wants you to bear fruit for His kingdom but much fruit.