Good, Better, Best
“Good, better, best, never let it rest… until the good is better, and the better best.”
This little ditty often comes to my mind. It reminds me that I shouldn’t settle for good when something better may be waiting. But is my better “best”? God’s “best”?
Spring Clean Up
Last weekend, was Spring Clean Up Day where we tackled the overgrowth in our yard. All the brushes and trees were sprouting with a vengeance, leaving everything looking overgrown and out of control. Vines crept where they didn’t belong. Thick canopies of cover blocked sunlight and water from penetrating the soil beneath.
Pruning gives me a bit of trepidation. I’m worried about cutting too much. The yard looks so bare after a clean up. And I wonder if the increased visibility will block the privacy we enjoy. Yet, I know the pruning needs to be done…for long term benefit.
God’s Pruning in Me
As I look at our freshly trimmed yard, I recall what Jesus has to say about pruning in John 15:1-2.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
“Good, better, best, never let it rest…until the good is better, and the better best.”
Good, Better, Best
I can’t experience God’s “best” unless I allow Him to use His pruning shears to shape me. The pruning process can be painful. Sometimes He strips away what is comfortable or familiar to make room for something better. Often, I can’t immediately see what He is accomplishing. Yet over time, He is transforming me into something not only better, but “best”—more fruitful and more like Him.
Lord, help me to desire Your “best”!
Prayer
Dear Jesus, I don’t naturally welcome the pruning process. Yet, I want to be shaped into Your image and likeness. Help me to trust that You always have my “best” in mind. Amen.
Questions to Consider
- What areas of your life is the Lord currently pruning you?
- When has God’s pruning been difficult for you to accept?
- Have you ever become comfortable in what is “good” instead of seeking God’s “best”? Explain.
Betty Jones
Thank you Maria
Yes, even in our 90’s God uses his shearing instruments for His Glory. No longer my Isms are to be inHis Best! 🎶🌷🦋
Maria Whitrock
We are always in process….of becoming more like Jesus. Thank you Betty for your faithful and steady example!