Disconnection

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It is a fact that we slowly and unintentionally drift apart or away from the close relationships we had at one time, be it with God, our marriage partner or friends. The freshness of new acquaintances and the events of life subtly crowd out what once was near and precious to us unless we continually and purposefully strengthen them. Jesus said, like branches on a vine we must remain in vital relationship

What steps will I undertake to correct this trend

with Him for without Him, we can’t produce any fruit (Jn 15:4,5). The vital life flow stops when detached and unless quickly restored death results.

When the teachings and challenges of Jesus touched a sensitive issue with some of His followers they “No longer walked with Him” but withdrew (Jn 6:61-69). He will call for our dreams and aspirations to be surrendered and maybe sacrificed on the altar as He asked of Abraham (Gen 22:2). Our devotion to Christ must be greater than anything else that would compete for our devotion. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” (Jn 21:15). This related to either his lifetime occupation of fish, nets and boats or more than the love of the other disciples. Peter had boldly declared, ‘I will remain loyal to you even if all the others abandon you’ yet within a few hours had denied Jesus three times (Mt 26:33,69-75). Satan foolishly rejected his closeness to God and envious of our position, tries to bring a separation between our divine life source (Jesus) and us.

Sin brings an estrangement between God and us; consequently when we disconnect with God, connection is strengthened with Satan for we can only give allegiance to one master at a time (Isa 59:2; Lk 16:13). The opposite stance is also true, when we intentionally and consistently put off the old self, we will live a life pleasing to God and the pleasures of this life will take on their true perspective in the light of eternity (Rom 12:1; Eph 4:22-24; Col 1:10; 1 Thes 4:1; Heb 11:26).

Through a change of heart (repentance), we reconnect with God. This decision must be backed up by a subsequent lifestyle change, a ‘leaving your life of sin’ and “walking in newness of life” (Jn 8:11; Rom 6:4). While we live in the world and interact with those who

Do I need to reconnect to God?

do not acknowledge Jesus as their Saviour we are not to be governed by the standards and customs that are often very different to those believers are to live by (Jn 17:15,16).

It is wise to periodically remove yourself from the electronic social media devices that control our lives in various degrees. This disconnect helps break the enormous power they exert over us. As believers, we should be continually in connection to the Holy Spirit who is within – listening for His voice and obeying His directions (Jn 2:5, 10:14,27; 1 Cor 6:19).

If an offence has caused the rift, a humble reconciliation with a genuine apology may make amends. However, some friendships are for a season, others last a lifetime.