Of Gardeners and Branches

I have another idea about the truths brought forth in John 15. God describes himself as the Gardener. He alone determines usefulness and/or uselessness. He sees the heart, so He sees the "fruit" and determines what kind of branches we are.

I am a branch. My specific role is to produce fruit...period.

Why do branches try to act like gardeners? What is it in our human makeup that makes children of God eat their young? The job of Gardener belongs to God alone. I do not have the right as a branch to determine another branch's usefulness or uselessness. It is outside my job description.
Some may counter at this point, "Yeah Matt, but we are to test the spirits, right?" and I will reply, "yes, we should, but only as it pertains to our ability to bear fruit." I have no right, Reader, to determine another branch's acceptability based on my feeble ability to look at his or her bark. I must determine to encourage all of those around me who are attached to the Vine. I certainly should not treat another branch differently based on an outward appearance of fruit or lack thereof.

Kevin is teaching on the Lord's Prayer tonight and he has the folks really participating. Good stuff.