By Renee Johnson
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:2).
“Hook up or get out.” That’s what my brother always says to me. What he really meant is… don’t mess around.
Isn’t that the typical day-in-the life of a 20-something?
We’re not sure of what we want or even who we are, so why the heck would it matter if I’m ____? Fill in the blank. Making out with strangers? Sleeping in someone else’s bed? Taking prescription medication? Drugs? Consuming large amounts of alcohol? Anything to numb the void or the pain of life.
This is why it is so important to be cut off! Jesus feels the same way about us how we feel about our relationships. Hook up or get out. If a relationship isn’t going well – get out already. Geez!
The boys I’ve dated have all been nicknamed thanks to my small group at church. Let’s see there’s Pinky, Twitter Boy 1 & 2 and… I’m trying to remember what other nicknames. I’m not one of those Christian girls who’s kissed dating goodbye. Trust me, been there done that.
By the time I reached the age of 25, and my roommates were married and moved out already I wondered what’s wrong with me? So I drank. Everyone around me knew how grossly I underestimated my potential pursuing mini-relationships that had nothing to do with Jesus and His holiness.
I am worth pursuing. And so are you. Jesus thinks so too. That’s why he cuts us up into tiny little pieces so we will bear even more fruit.
Being in a pseudo-relationship might feel good in the moment because it’s better than being alone, but as long as we’re refusing to grow–the longer and harder Jesus continues to cut. Sometimes it’s by our own choices and sometimes it’s Jesus growing us deeper in Him and His holiness. Sometimes both!
Dear Jesus,
Sometimes we underestimate our potential. We settle for less than your best. We bear little to no fruit-that is until you get a hold of us. Don’t let us hook up with the world, but get us out of our own selfishness to bear much fruit for you. Prune us. Shape us. Mold us. You are the Vine and we are the branches!
Amen.
Renee is a spirited speaker and writer to the 20-somethings and her first book releases in March of 2010. To listen to a former podcast she did on this subject, click here. You can also follow here blog.