Connecting Point: Necessary U-Turns

It was 1989, and I was in Helena, Montana, at a great restaurant, Frontier Pies. After enjoying dinner and of course, some pie I exited the parking lot with a friend in my 1979 Mustang. I turned right, shifting through the gears, and to my shock, about a block later, all I saw was oncoming traffic in both lanes! I immediately pulled a U-turn; this was necessary. Horns honking in the background and the dismay of other drivers caught my attention. Having never driven much in Helena, I was unaware of the one-way street. I most likely missed the sign at the edge of the parking lot, which said, “No right turns.” My excuse was that I was under the influence of pie ala mode.

Over the next few months, I will share insights from a thought-provoking pastor and teacher, Kyle Idleman. In the When Your Way Isn’t Working video series, Kyle shares valuable principles worth our attention.

First, is it hard to admit that your approach to a certain matter isn’t working? There are times in all our lives when we tend to be enrolled in the “school of hard knocks,” and we get caught in patterns when we make poor life decisions. One thing is certain: we are generally pros at pointing out the faults of others; after all, they don’t see things as we do, and it’s obvious that their way isn’t working. We often need people to speak into our lives, learn to hear and receive advice, and then act upon such advice.

Our initial responses to necessary confrontation may include a sharp defense, immediate blame, drawing attention to another, anger, and more. These responses are tell-tale signs our way isn’t working. We only hurt ourselves when we fail to take responsibility or make excuses.

Second, are you willing to reprioritize and evaluate those seemingly untouchable areas of your life? We all have them. Kyle says,

“Being honest is not whining; it’s courageous.” Excuse making or blaming is whining. Most of us get repulsed by those who act this way, but do we see that blind spot in our lives when we act out similarly? If we fail to address our relationships, health, habits, and walk with God, we may be forced to make a drastic and sudden U-turn. The following are some excellent questions to reflect upon:

• Would the people you’re closest to say you listen well? Have you asked them?

• How do you spend the first 15 minutes of your morning?

• What’s the last scripture you’ve meditated on?

• Have you been more irritable and annoyed with people lately?

• Do you spend more time on social media than prayer?

Hard questions like these are easier to ignore than face head-on. As I age, I’m learning to discuss these questions with close confidants and others.

In John 15:5, Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” The focus principle is that apart from Jesus, we can’t do anything. In the surrounding context, the word abide/remain, depending upon the version you’re reading, occurs 11 times. Kyle wisely points out, "When your way isn’t working, there’s almost always a connection issue.” A branch is always dependent on what it’s connected to; that’s its life source. Take a moment and contemplate how well you’re connected to Jesus.