RECONNECT

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Deep down inside, there is a desire to be connected. Just watch people around you today with smart phones. They are constantly looking to make sure they don’t miss some-thing. They want to be connected. If we analyzed the content of cell phone conversations, we'd probably see that the vast majority of them are "important."

The truth is, cell phones do a terrible job keeping us connected. We may think we're staying "connected," but we can't see the facial expressions or feel any physical close-ness of the one we're talking with. Facebook and texting will never be a substitute for someone standing next to you. Truth is, they lead to more feelings of isolation.

New studies that look at single people who struggle with disconnection have made some interesting observations. Singles are often forced to do many things alone--things they’d rather have a friend or spouse along for. Even mundane chores like shopping for groceries can be frustrating if they think it's no fun cooking for just themselves. The attitude of "why bother?" can creep in very easily.

Feeling disconnected is especially intense around holidays. Feeling disconnected can be devastating. Is disconnection curable? Yes! The cure is found in accepting the promise that God wants to be connected to us. The cure is found in knowing Jesus wants to be connected to us.

Emotions are a wonderful gift. Life would be flat without them. But sometimes our feel-ings mislead us. When faced with the promises of Jesus or the emotions of feeling disconnected, I will go with the promises every time.


 

The scriptures promise that our connection with God is there, whether we can feel it or not. God still loves me whether I feel it or not. I am valuable and precious to God, whether I feel that way or not.

When it's night and it's dark, I know the sun is still there, whether I can see it or not. The same holds true of my relationship with God.

Beginning in October, we will be looking at three parables Jesus told as recorded in the Gospel of Luke of disconnection. These are important stories from Jesus as He shows us what disconnection looks like and how God deeply desires to reconnect with us. Bring a friend to church with you as we enjoy this study together.

[Ron Otto, preaching minister of Lincoln Christian Church]

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