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The first image that comes to mind when I hear the word “vines” would the climbing, entwining plants that inhabit a trestle, fence, or wall. But take the word vine with a spiritual observation and I immediately think of Jesus… the True Vine. He in fact described his relationship to us as the vine and us as the branches.
Branches are attached to the vine and the source of all their needs. And as Christ made the analogy, he is our source and provides everything that we need.
I observe how often I attempt to be a branch on a vine other than him. Really…how much importance do I place on popularity, my connections, or my possessions? Do you ever do the same? Could it not be your wealth, the sex you’re getting, your education, or even the church itself? While these things individually can bring short-term satisfaction, they cannot replace the connection with the one, true source.
Luke 12:15 tells us that our lives are not defined by what we have. I’ve also reflected recently that naked I was born into this world and naked I will leave it. I was given everything at birth… naked… that I need to fulfill my purpose. Anything beyond my nakedness is inconsequential.
So much of the time it takes me being in touch with my weaknesses before I can understand and depend on him completely. I believe it boils down to two things to keep me connected to the one true vine… and those are pain or discipline. So just guess which of the two I most often experience.
I want to be disciplined… I really do. But yet it seems when times are good that I get absorbed in the moment and not in my God, the one true source… my vine. Yes, I’m grateful for the good times, but it is difficult remembering to praise him and to put him above all the elated emotions I may be feeling at the time. I become focused on the effect, as opposed to the cause.
However, through pain and suffering I am driven to my knees and my focus is shifted to the source… as I know it is my hope… my source for all resolutions. For isn’t it human to cry out for help when we are in trouble?
So thank God for both… the pain and the moments you praise him even if solely through your discipline. It is by this connection of the branch and the vine… your true self and the Christ that his promises are given to you.
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