My friend Brandon is an amazingly talented soldier.

He’s a Green Beret, an ace marksman, and consistently ranks tops in his class in fitness, strategy, and scholastics. He’s the best at his game - and he knows it.

Out on deployment, a crucial mission arose and his superior named his six, top soldiers for the assignment. Brandon was not one of them. And he was not happy.

He pulled his superior aside and said, “I know this is a crucial assignment. And you know that there’s not a more qualified, talented soldier on that squad than me. Why didn’t you choose me? Why didn’t I get selected?”

His superior said, “Sure you’re the most talented soldier on the squad. But you’re also the biggest complainer. I named this squad, in part, to see how you’d react. And instead of saying, ‘While you’re gone I’m going to resupply and organize things so we’ll be in better shape upon your return,’ you pulled me aside and acted like a prima donna. This makes me even more confident in my decision. And until you learn that you’re part of a team, this is how things will stay.”

When Jesus says, “I am the vine and you are the branches” he’s saying we’re all connected. We're part of a team, there's no room for prima donnas, for the greatest among us are those who serve.

As part of the Vine some of us are being pruned. Some are waiting for fruit to appear. Some are producing fruit that we're really proud of. But we are all part of something greater. 

So be encouraged friends. Let’s give pause to complaining. We’re part of life’s most fulfilling task: gratefully receiving the kingdom being brought into the world.