When I was young I was fascinated with the phrase horns of a dilemma. When I was absolutely young, I was in a dilemma about how to pronounce dilemma. Later on it was about how many l's and how many m's were there in dilemma. When I learnt how to use the phrase I stopped using it.
That is something that often happens to new believers. They are fascinated with Christianity. They defy families and friends to follow Christ but once it comes to counting the cost- getting baptized, giving tithes, doing mission work, their fascination with Christianity stops.
Jesus says clearly that the branches that do not bear fruit are taken away from Him. So is it surprising that these wannabe Christians, one day, stop coming to church. It wouldn't be surprising to see them bow down to the gods of this world at some point of time. How easy it is to judge those kinds of Christians. But we have been called not to judge. These people have easy lives. We need to pity them.
God, the great gardener, knows exactly which branch has the capacity to bear fruit. So he prunes those branches. Pruning generally refers to putting those branches to test, through adversity, persecution, situations which we may feel are against them but which ultimately increase their faith. So if you are going through trial, pain, persecution, rejoice. You are the chosen branch of God that is getting pruned. Not everyone is as lucky.
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The One Thing
SpiritualFor years, I have served as a useful source to those seeking inspiration, help, or advice. I finally decided to own that role and be intentional about it. I started writing about my passions, my thoughts, and curious wonderings about our world. I f...
