BY DR. JASON RICHARD TAN, A3/PHILIPPINES
While defoliating my red Ficus microcarpa, I noticed how easily a tree can hide its own flaws. Beneath a lush, vibrant canopy of leaves, structural and health issues such as crossed branches, disease, and unwanted new growth were completely hidden from view.
It was only after stripping away the foliage that the tree's well-being could be assessed.
In bonsai, as in life, regular pruning isn't just about shaping the exterior; it is about uncovering the truth of what lies beneath.
It is not far-fetched to think that the things we do for Jesus may well be the very excuses we create to hide or deflect attention to deeper issues in our hearts.
"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)
We get so caught up in the "busyness" of ministry, church involvement, and outward acts of service that we mistake a full calendar for a healthy soul. Just like a dense canopy of foliage, these good activities can easily hide our real structural issues—unhealthy habits, unresolved bitterness, pride, or misaligned priorities. We assume that because the outside looks green and productive, everything underneath must be fine.
By intentionally slowing down and allowing a regular "pruning" of activities, we open ourselves to a sense of vulnerability, a reality check.
We permit the Master Gardener to look past our busy exterior and address the hidden issues and entanglements of our hearts.
Choosing to be in the presence of the Lord regularly allows Him to make corrections early, before a misplaced branch becomes too thick to bend, or a structural issue compromises our entire faith journey. Early correction prevents deep and serious damage and ensures that future growth is both glorifying to Him and fruitful.
Key Takeaways
Activities can mask deep issues. Just as lush leaves hide crossed branches, service and busyness can camouflage a heart in need of healing or correction. Protect your solitude and regularly submit to the Spirit for spiritual pruning.- Appearances deceive. A life that looks outwardly full, active, and healthy may still need careful attention beneath the surface.
- Catch it early. It's far easier for the Gardener to shape a young, flexible twig than to saw off a heavy, misplaced branch later.
- Pruning promotes well-being and fruitfulness. Cutting back busyness can feel drastic, but it aims at long-term spiritual strength and authentic beauty.
Dr. Jason Richard Tan
A3/Philippines
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. JASON RICHARD TAN is a missiologist and A3/Philippines alumnus with extensive experience in theological education, pastoral ministry, and missionary training. Dedicated to equipping and mobilizing the next generation of Asian mission leaders, he serves as President of the Great Commission Missionary Training Center (GCMTC), leads the PhD in Intercultural Studies program at the Asia Graduate School of Theology, and serves on the faculty of the Biblical Seminary of the Philippines as Director of Student Field Education.
Dr. Tan resides in Antipolo City with his wife, Donna, and their children, Joshua and Elisha. He is the author of Man Up: 21 Lessons Every Man Needs to Know About Manhood. He also brings more than 10 years of full-time pastoral experience with the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP).
Header photo by Margarita Shtyfura on Unsplash
