We can only bear fruit if we are branches on the vine, but which vine? Not all vines are the same. Not all are life-giving; not all connect us with Jesus. We make a mistake when we try for something quick and easy rather than slow and steady. We err when we want that fast growth and little effort. Sometimes we want easy alternatives to God's way, to being a branch of Jesus' Vine because that Vine requires carrying our cross. We get distracted by other vines that look easier and more promising - the stock market, some love object, a promising career - whatever vine, pyramid, fad, or gimmick that looks quick and easy. And then we act surprised when the vine either overwhelms us, or suffocates us, when it cannot provide what we really need. That other vine seems so much more attractive and enticing compared to hard work and patience and practice and drills and weeding and hoeing and fertilizing. And we don't want to be pruned either: not of our dead branches nor of our excess growth. We want to choose the vine and be the vinedressers! We know in our hearts when we are detaching ourselves from the real Vine and grafting our future onto something that might bring some quick thrills but not lasting pleasure or fulfillment. In our heart of hearts where God speaks to us, we know when we sin, when we turn away from God and latch onto something other than the Vine.