These words are meant to humble God’s people. They are called the Lord’s vine—but by nature, what are they more than others? It is only by God’s goodness that they have become fruitful. He planted them in good soil, trained them along the walls of His sanctuary, and caused them to bear fruit for His glory. But what are they without Him? What are they apart from the continual work of the Holy Spirit, who produces fruit within them?
Believer, learn to put pride away, for you have no reason to boast. Whatever you are, you have nothing of your own to glory in. The more you possess, the more deeply you are indebted to God—and no one should boast in what proves them to be a debtor. Consider your origin. Look back at what you once were. Think of what you would still be if divine grace had not intervened. Even now, does not your conscience accuse you? Do not your many wanderings rise up before you and testify that you are unworthy to be called His child?
And if God has made you what you are, does that not teach you that it is grace alone that has made you different? Great believer, without grace you would have been a great sinner. You who are bold for the truth would have been just as bold for error if grace had not laid hold of you. Therefore, do not be proud—even if you possess a rich inheritance of grace. Once, you owned nothing but sin and misery.
What a strange delusion—that one who has borrowed everything should exalt himself! You are a dependent pensioner on the mercy of your Savior, living a life that would fade away without fresh supplies from Christ—and yet you are proud? Shame on such foolishness, O restless heart. Learn again that apart from Him, you are no more than a branch among the trees of the forest.