Horticulture is not so easy as merely planting a seed and watching it grow. The phrase "tending and keeping" implies the continuing hard work of watering, fertilizing, cultivating, and guarding against destructive pests. In the spiritual analogy in John 15, Jesus Christ teaches His people that He is the vine and they the branches, expected to bear fruit by utilizing the sap of God's Spirit. If they fail to bear fruit as listed in Galatians 5:22 (i.e., love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control), God will discard them as dead branches. Growth takes sacrifice and discipline; without pain, there is no gain. God's people must all run their spiritual race, knowing that Jesus Christ will help each one win the prize (I Corinthians 9:26). God is continually looking for improvement, desiring all the pieces to come together (Ephesians 4:11-16). God provides His people with everything they need to grow, including His Holy Spirit. The children of light cannot grow unless they remain in Christ.