CONNECTING POINT: The Priority of Connection

We live in one of the most “connected” ages. Technology allows us to communicate with others in places worldwide instantly. However,

there are certain disruptions that we all deal with, such as dead zones, battery loss, weather interference, and more. Do we possibly rely too much on technology?

Regarding spiritual development, connection is basic and must remain a priority for growing in Christ. Jesus spoke to the matter in John chapter 15,

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:1-8).

Kyle Idleman wisely points out that we often make production a spiritual priority at the expense of connection in his teaching series When Your Way Isn’t

Working. Doing so comes at our detriment because we are so driven to produce but end up frustrated and disappointed. Culturally, we are hard-wired to seek production because everything around us is based on measurement, approval, and rewards. We tend to approach our relationship with Jesus, seeking His approval and creating a works-centered religion that is shallow and “fruitless.”

Jesus brings us back to the basic truth, “…apart from me, you can do nothing,” we must first and always rely on Jesus. He is the vine, we are the branch,

and He is our life source.

Recently, we had late spring snow, and all around Whitehall trees were damaged. Small and large branches were broken and separated from the tree. A juniper that had been in our yard long before there was even a home was split near the top, running 4-5 feet down the main trunk. Unfortunately, the tree couldn’t be saved.

The connection principle is also seen in the lives of two sisters, Mary and Martha, discussed in the Bible. Martha was caught up in production; honestly, I see myself in her shoes. On the other hand, Mary did something uncommon that day; she sat at the feet of Jesus like that of a disciple. The roles of men and women in that culture were legalistic or staunch. Here’s another instance where Jesus didn’t let culture dictate the message; He commended Mary for making the better choice (Luke 10:42).

Kyle also states, “It’s not that Jesus wants more and more from you; He wants more of you.” What are some distractions that keep you from being

connected to Jesus? What steps can you take to choose the “better” way?