The Master Gardener: How Spiritual Growth Leads to True Freedom

Marla Waldron
Jun 27
5 min read

I inherited my love of gardening from my mother, who had the green thumb in our family—a natural gift from being raised by two farmers. On the surface, growing plants seems simple: provide dirt, water, and sunlight. However, successful gardening involves much more, as different species require specific soil types, watering methods, and varying amounts of sunshine. Some thrive in full sun while others prefer shade, and each needs the right size pot or garden bed. Through many trials and errors, I've learned these lessons firsthand.

I remember planting a bougainvillea in a pot, only to watch its leaves turn yellow. I couldn't determine whether it was receiving too much or too little water, but eventually discovered it needed a larger pot with drainage holes—the roots required both space to grow and proper drainage. I've also experienced the bittersweet task of trimming blooms from my rose bush, knowing that this pruning, though it feels like loss, is the only way to ensure new growth.

These gardening experiences have led me to visualize God as a master gardener with infinite wisdom, knowing exactly what each individual needs to flourish physically, mentally, and spiritually. Just as a plant’s health depends on where it is rooted, our spiritual vitality depends on where we place our trust or where we are “rooted”. I've discovered that I must be rooted in Jesus Christ, my Savior, to experience true life and freedom.

The Gift of Salvation

God gave us His Son Jesus so we could experience freedom and abundant life. The first step to receiving God's greatest gift—salvation in Jesus Christ—is placing your trust and faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Salvation cannot be earned through good works; it is a gift given only by God's grace. Without grace, we're left trying our best but never quite measuring up. God's grace is revealed in His Word, which shows His heart toward us.

The path forward involves spending time with God as your Lord, setting aside personal ambitions, and discovering what His Word says about His love for you and the Holy Spirit's role in teaching and growing your faith. Choose to walk daily in God's grace to experience abundant life and freedom.

Jesus tells us in John 10:10: "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life." (1 John 5:12)

True Freedom in Christ

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Where God's Spirit is present, there is freedom from every form of bondage—including sin, depression, fear, anxiety, abuse, and oppression. This freedom isn't merely physical or political; it's a deep spiritual liberation. In Christ, there is a new covenant where the Holy Spirit empowers believers and brings life and freedom, while the old covenant represented the letter of the law leading to death. Christ's sacrifice broke the power of sin and death, providing a pathway to life and freedom.

The New Covenant

Paul's letter to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 3 explains the difference between the old covenant through Moses and the new covenant through Jesus's blood. Paul describes how the Holy Spirit gives life and how this "new way" is far more glorious than the old way. The new way in Christ gives us confidence to boldly proclaim the Good News for His glory.

Whenever we turn to the Lord, it's as if a veil is removed.

"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into His glorious image." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Staying Connected to the True Vine - the Master Gardener

God the Creator—our master gardener—extends an invitation to all to experience life and freedom His way, the new way through Christ, who is the true vine. Our role isn't to take on the gardening ourselves, but to be branches that submit to the Lord in order to produce fruit—the good things in our lives. This requires a conscious choice to stay connected to Jesus, the true vine and source of life and love.

Jesus says: "Remain in me and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)

God, the Master Gardener, is always at work to nourish, prune and “repot” us as needed through all seasons of life. Submitting to God’s care is necessary in order to experience spiritual growth and true freedom. Apart from God we are like branches that are severed from their source and unable to grow or produce good fruit.

For Further Thought

Consider these questions as you reflect on God as your Gardener:

In what areas of your life can the Master Gardener "grow you" to experience God's freedom?

What can you do to connect to the true vine, Jesus?

Commit to reading the Bible daily, even just 2-3 minutes
Develop a prayer routine to grow your faith and experience God's abundant life and freedom

How can you build a daily rhythm with God? Whether it's reading a Bible passage, offering a 30-second whispered prayer, or spending 5 minutes in stillness with God, find a routine that fits your life. Remember that Jesus is the source of peace and freedom, and Jesus is greater than any circumstance the world presents.

Prayer

Loving God, I come to you grateful for the gift of Jesus, who came to free me from sin's captivity and guide me into your peace and purpose. Help me trust you more, to walk in the freedom you give me, and to rest in the assurance that you are always with me. Restore my hope and joy when I feel depleted, and align my heart with your truth. May my words and actions bring you glory. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.

ABOUT MARLA WALDRON

Marla Waldron is a devoted daughter of the Heavenly Father, and she embraces her roles as a sister, wife, mother, teacher, and friend with grace and dedication. For 35 years, she has served as a public school educator, mentoring countless beginning teachers and currently working as an Intervention Specialist with Kindergarten students. In her local church and community, Marla faithfully contributes by volunteering at food and clothing banks, participating in fundraising events, and actively engaging in, as well as leading, small group Bible studies for The Dented Fender Ministry. A mother of three grown children, Marla has also taken on the responsibility of caring for her 50-year-old brother with multiple handicaps since their father's passing. Despite facing dark tunnels of grief and self-doubt, Marla has learned to lean on God’s grace, holding tightly to His truths and trusting in His guidance one step at a time. She and her husband live in Ohio, embracing the unpredictable ride of life with faith and resilience.

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