Often when we think of discipline we think of punishment. However, in view is the whole of the training matrix involved in our spiritual growth. It involves teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness toward conformity to the image of Christ.

Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
(John 15:2, NKJV)

Our heavenly Father wants fruitfulness of us. We want the same with our children. We want them to mature in character. We want them to lead responsible, productive lives for themselves and as contributing members of society.

What character are we to develop in Christ? What society are we to be contributing members of? We are to grow in the image of Jesus Christ, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. We are to put off self and put on Christ. The Spirit is at work to form Christ in us.

The society we have been enfolded into is the kingdom of God. Our Father wants us to be responsible and productive members of that kingdom, seeking it as a matter of priority in our lives. We are not to be pursuing our own glory and empire. We are to seek God’s glory and dominion. The gospel of the kingdom pertains not only to the hereafter but also to the here now. The gospel governs our attitudes, ambitions, and actions. It brings everything about us under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Since it is the case that “as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine” (John 15:4), it stands to reason that the Father wants us be rooted and built up in Christ. The more established we are in Christ in our daily practice, the more fruitful we will be in our growth and service to the kingdom of God.

It is through the Holy Spirit who unites us to Christ that we will be cultivated in Christ. Jesus made this clear when He said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:15–17).

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