Short answer: yeah. My first prayer on November 2nd, 2023 in Oxford’s Chipotle surrendered that (justification). I was saved in that moment, but nowhere near healed…the Father’s will is growth (sanctification). “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.
I’m noticing the ways in which God is pruning me on this trip. For one, my self-control is stronger. There are many trials here that, by nature, breed temptation (James 1:13-14). I’ve seen how fixating my eyes on Jesus keeps me from falling (Mark 14:22-34). Focussing on the image of Christ allows me to stand firm against the challenges in front of me. Food for thought: is failure just an unwillingness to face the circumstances God puts in front of me? Resisting those opportunities to be pruned? Regardless, it’s clear when I’m not firm in righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11)…I’m likely to sin.
Another branch the Lord is pruning is my health. “Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news brings health to the bones.” – Proverbs 15:30. In a way, this starts in my prayer life. I’ve adopted the motto to pray double what I preach. For in this war of attrition for nutrition between my spirit and flesh, I must feed/supply the former. Therefore, because they cannot co-exists, the flesh submits, and the spirit thrives.
Ok good, as a Christain, I’m being pruned. Back to John’s branch metaphor, I’ve more been chewing on the fruit. I’ll preface by saying I grew up very privileged. In fact, privilege is a huge temptation for me. My flesh aches to be behind closed, off-limits-to-laymen doors. I find worth in being a part of exclusive clubs. But a shiny new car at 16 isn’t fruit. Nor are two feet to kick soccer balls with. They are simply neutral. Ah. Privileges have the capacity to rip me from the altar. The potential to fix my eyes away from the Lord. Fruit, alternatively, is inherently good. Because fruit is only a byproduct of intimacy with Christ expressed by a servant heart. It is a response to the love of God. True worship bears fruit. But heck, there are plenty of other things in this world, that present as fruit. Under the peel is rot. The devil is quite good at masking decay as juicy fruit. And, because of our bloodthirsty and sinful desire, we sink our teeth into that spoiled fruit every day. That’s why answering the question ‘Do I Want To Be Healed?’ isn’t easy.
Jesus is not the rotten, exclusive club I once danced in. He is the opposite. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23. Accepting His grace is the most inclusive way to be healed. I have hope (themba…my Siswati name) in completion (glorification).
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