Would you like to live an unhurried life where space for God and love for people were your top priorities? This was the way of Jesus. He said yes to the Father and his kingdom, and he said no to lots of other good things. This can be the way for us, too. In his book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer writes that the central question is: How would Jesus live if he were me? 

Comer offers an ancient practice called a rule of life: a “set of practices to order your life around the way of Jesus in community.” (p. 94) He refers to John 15 where Jesus taught about “abiding on the vine.” (John 15:4-5) I like how Comer provides a compelling image for the spiritual life: a trellis supporting a grapevine. A trellis provides the necessary structure for a vine to grow upward, receive sunlight, and bear fruit. Without it, the vine sprawls along the ground, vulnerable to disease and unfruitfulness.  

Comer likens a trellis to the role of a rule of life—a set of spiritual rhythms and disciplines that give structure to our walk with Christ. Without intentional practices, our spiritual lives can become unruly and ineffective, lacking the support needed to flourish. 

By now, you know I enjoy studying words! Interestingly, the word trellis (lattice) comes from the Latin trilix, meaning “three-threaded” or “woven with three strands.” When I read this, my mind went directly to Ecclesiastes 4:12, which I often read at weddings. It says, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  Hmm . . . a trellis (having three heads) and a threefold cord which cannot be broken. I thought, “There’s something here!” 

The wisdom of Ecclesiastes, Jesus’ teaching on abiding and the meaning behind the word trellis all point to a profound truth: we are not meant to walk this journey alone. Just as a grapevine relies on a trellis, and a rope gains strength from multiple strands woven together, our spiritual lives are strengthened through community and discipline. 

A threefold cord represents the core elements of a thriving Christian life: our relationship with God, our engagement in Christian community, and our practice of spiritual disciplines. When these three are interwoven, they create resilience in our faith. Solitary devotion to God is important, but it is when we integrate Bible reading, prayer, worship, fellowship, service, and accountability, we experience a deeply rooted and sustainable spiritual life. 

Jesus modeled this beautifully. He remained in constant communion with the Father, surrounded Himself with disciples, and practiced regular spiritual disciplines—silence and solitude, sabbath, simplicity and slowing (see pt. 3 of Comer’s book). Jesus’ life was not hurried but deeply anchored. Likewise, a well-built trellis does not restrict a vine; it enables it to grow with purpose. A well-ordered rule of life does not confine us but instead offers us the structure we need to thrive. 

The church, at its best, serves as a trellis. It provides the support, accountability, and nourishment needed to keep us growing toward Christ. Without a strong spiritual structure, we may find ourselves aimless or disconnected. But when we cultivate practices that shape our days and surround ourselves with fellow believers, we are strengthened like a threefold cord—resilient, unbreakable, and deeply rooted in God’s purpose. 

So, what trellis is holding up your spiritual life? What disciplines guide your walk with Jesus? And who are the sisters and brothers strengthening you along the way? May we build strong trellises and weave tight cords, so that together, we may bear much fruit for the glory of God. 

With fervent prayer,