...the 'unbecoming' of my sinful nature
“I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener.
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 15:1-2 NIV
I stand before my Creator...willing to be changed...willing to release all that no longer serves me. I am no longer able to hold up my ragged and torn 'mask' to hide my imperfections. In my defenselessness, the Light of Truth exposes those places in me that need to be cut off and pruned in order that new growth can occur. Places in my heart that need to soften; a broken spirit in need of healing; bitter words that need to express love; a self-serving attitude in desperate need of gratitude and service to others; mean-spirited thoughts towards others that need to express compassion; an impatient, intolerant temper that needs learn to wait and make allowances. These are what I ask God to change in me - to peel away the layers of my false self and reveal my true nature. I pray that I may grow more in the image and likeness of Christ.
As God continues His spiritual gardening, and as I grow towards a life of God-centered living and self-sacrifice for others, I will 'become' all that God intends me to be. When God's spirit is working within me and I walk in His ways (not my own), new life is evident...
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Photograph taken at Fresh Pond, Cambridge, MA
Nycebutterfly Photography
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4 comments:
have you ever read David Needham's book "Birthright"?
No, I haven't read it. I'll check it out, though - I'm always interested in learning more. Is this book one you've enjoyed and/or read for your studies?
Yes, it has to do with Christian metaphysics. It is written simply, though- not as a philosophical treatise. You could say it has a lot to do with what it means to be a new creation.
God is showing me just now that pruning is actually different from refining or chastening, some of which you mention in the process unfolding in your life. He prunes that which bears fruit--which are those things which result from abiding with Jesus. It's a subtle distinction, but seeing the difference has made it easier for me to submit to pruning and wait to see what new fruit the Holy Spirit will bring forth.
The mask-wearing and other falsity is more on the line of dying to self--actions we must take in order to follow Jesus. But the pruning is all God. A process he works as our roots deepen and we can withstand his hand to shape us in our transformed life.
Your photographs are stunning! I pray the Lord bless your work.
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