Five Choices That Lead to True Freedomနမူနာ

The Choice To Connect

We are not meant to do life alone. However, some of us like to be alone; in fact, we prefer to be alone. On the other hand, some of us like to be around people all the time; it even energizes us.

Wherever you fall on the spectrum, it is important to connect with others. When you choose to connect, you are choosing to share your life with someone else. This opens the opportunity for relationship, support and grace to build your life.

The one connection that establishes the foundation for all others is our relationship with God. The more confident we are with him, the more confident we are with others. Confidence comes after knowing and trusting someone. This can only happen by spending quality time with the other person. 

In the book of John, Jesus uses an illustration of a vineyard. He is the gardener, and we are the branches. He desires that we produce as much fruit in our lives as possible. 

Read John 15:1-4

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me."

The result of our connection with God is producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. When we choose to abide and spend time with Jesus, it will change the way we live. And in that process, Jesus will prune the parts of our lives that need to be eliminated and grow and nurture the good fruit.

As you choose to connect to God, you can start to experience His goodness and peace. This same experience can happen when you choose to connect with other people too. Life is better when you are together with others and growing in the same direction. 

When we are talking about connection and relationship, it’s important to understand the art of listening. Often, we come to God and tell him what we need, but a healthy relationship goes both ways. We need to listen to what he is telling us. Listening takes time and effort. 

This week, make sure that you set aside some time to connect with God and while doing that, listen to what He is telling you. It may seem difficult at first, but it will be well worth it.

Reflections:  

1. Do you feel like you spend enough time with God each day?    
2. What is the benefit of connecting with God? What kind of fruit does God produce in our lives?   
3. How do you think Jesus prunes our lives? What areas of your life does He need to prune?

We hope that this helped you start your journey toward a life of freedom! This plan was based on the book and workbook, "True Freedom: Five Choices to Help You Overcome Your Obstacles and Move Forward" by Rick Bosch and Landon Porter. You can learn more here.