I’ve had some tangled messes in my life. But in all honesty, I’ve been comfortable in the messes sometimes. It’s like being in thick vegetation of a jungle. I get used to it, so even though it’s difficult to maneuver, I know the path and can find my way through the tangled vines and dangerous places. It might take me more time than if I had a clear path, but I’m okay with taking a bit more time. After all, I get accustomed to it!However, I don’t see the dangers lurking under the heavy vegetation. I easily trip. I waste time. And while it might be more comfortable to me because of the habit, I also have to realize…all habits aren’t good.
When I let God clear the path, I’m faced with a couple realities. (1) I don’t get to pick and choose what goes and what stays. God’s refining fire is pure, getting rid of the unnecessary junk and leaving the nonnegotiable necessities. (2) I likely won’t recognize my surroundings for a little while. I’ll need to orient myself again. But one thing is for sure. I’ll grow a lot better after the pruning process.
God purifies us to get rid of the junk in our lives. He prunes us.
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:1-5 (NLT)
Being genuine is knowing you don’t have it all together. Being genuine is knowing you’re growing. You’re a work in progress. You don’t run around tooting your own horn, and you don’t sulk around bemoaning your lowly condition. Being genuine is reflecting on the outside who you are on the inside. And because of the Holy Spirit within us, our goal is to be so completely filled with the Holy Spirit that our selves become transparent so people see God in and through us. Being genuine is not putting on a mask, sad or happy, to appear as someone we’re not. We won’t share everything with everyone, but we can be authentic with everyone. No lies, deception, bravado, or posturing. Just actually and exactly what and who we claim to be: followers of Jesus Christ.
