“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

Spring has arrived and many of us are spending our days outdoors digging in the dirt, weeding, planting, and generally sprucing up our yards and gardens. We toil happily in anticipation of the joy we will get from green lawns and colorful blossoms.

One thing I’ve learned about gardening over the years is that all the hard work can be wasted if I don’t pay attention to the soil.

In Christ’s metaphor of the vine and the branches, the meaning is clear that we, as the branches, can only thrive and produce as long as we are firmly attached to the vine. It isn’t stated in these verses, but it seems reasonable that the life-giving vine is firmly rooted in the soil that is God’s Word and fed by the Holy Spirit.

If we want to bring forth beauty in our lives, it is important to stay attached to Jesus through prayer and the study of his life, so that like a branch on a vine, we may draw upon God’s power and Spiritual strength from the soil in which we are planted.

As most gardeners know, a firmly attached branch may still succumb to pests or disease if it isn’t well-tended and pruned occasionally.

It is incumbent upon all Christians to stay focused on Christ and not let distractions or temptations cause us to neglect our spiritual garden.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

John 15:1