Abiding or Hiding: Understanding the Power of the Vine
This weekend my brain has been running rampant. Blossoms of doubts, critiques, worries, and a host of other things have sprouted. It has kept me up at night and has been louder than every other voice throughout the day. It is a vine that has choked out some joy for sure. As I read John 15, I was reminded that various vines grow, but I determine which ones I feed.
Vines
Vines can be beautiful and produce luxurious blossoms and fruit. But not all vines, no matter their beauty, are healthy. For example, wisteria is a gorgeous vine. It often grows wild where I live. While it is beautiful, it is a vine that can be invasive, growing quickly and choking out necessary vegetation for the area. Is the same not true for some vines we tend to in our mind, body, and heart?
In John 15:1-8, Jesus is clear that not all vines will bear fruit, and those that do no “not bear fruit he takes away” (vs. 2). So that should be the end of my anxiety, right? If only it were that simple. My soul wounds sometimes release seeds of anxiety that quickly grow. Sometimes they stay longer because I am not abiding but rather hiding. I am hiding behind denial, perfectionism, people pleasing and more. However, when I quit hiding and take up abiding, then “every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (vs. 2). Yes, pruning can be painful, but it results in more fruit, more Christlikeness and less worry, people-pleasing and perfectionism.
Part of the pruning will occur as we recognize what vines we are tending to. When we are willing to release our vines and allow God to cut back and those unhealthy vines, we allow ourselves the opportunity to abide.
Abiding
Jesus is clear that unless we abide in him, and him in us, we “cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (vs.5). These words imply possible action. Our ongoing connection with Jesus is inseparably related with our spiritual productivity. Therefore, when we abide in Christ, we will bear fruit. This fruit may be apparent through our actions, attitudes, and words. However, if we choose to hide, that will be apparent as well. If we are hiding, we most likely are not tending to any of the vines allowing them to grow like kudzu. Therefore, abiding in Christ is necessary for healthy connection with Christ and healthy production of the fruit of Christ.
Moreover, when we truly are connected to Christ, blossoming in His spirit, we may “ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (Vs. 7-8). What we ask matters also. Our ask can be reflective of our fruit. Therefore, when we ask something of Christ, we would be wise to assess how what we are asking for and the outcome will impact our connection with Christ.
Trust me when I say that I have asked for the thorn of anxiety to be annihilated. However, it may be my thorn until I am home in the arms of Jesus. Yet, even with this lurking vine, I determine whether I abide in the vine of anxiety or abide in Christ. To abide in Christ does not mean that we never have difficulties. Remember, pruning of the vine is necessary for growth. Even so, when we remain in Christ, he remains in us. Therefore, that same power that raised Jesus from the grave, commanded the dead to wake, and man to be set free, is also within us producing fruit of Christ.
Final Thoughts
Many of us may have a vine that tries to choke out the one true Vine. We may wrestle with giving into the vine because it feels familiar, and we feel in control; however, our hiding behind control and power does not permit us to abide. We cannot hide and abide at the same time. Therefore, we must ask God to examine our vines and prune the ones that do not bear his fruit. In doing so, we will know the “Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).