iHunger: A Closer Walk with GodExemplo

Careful Connections

The causes of modern social problems, from divorce to homelessness and obesity, are often thought to be based on issues such as poverty, stress or unhappiness. But researchers suggest we are overlooking something crucial: relationships. Relationships are vital to the sanity of mankind. God made Eve because it was not good for him to be alone (Genesis 2:18). From this we see that relationships are very beneficial to people no matter what race or color. 

Relationships are important to people no matter the race, color, creed, or socioeconomic status. Statistics show that if your best friend eats healthily, you are five times more likely to have a healthy diet yourself. Married people say friendship is more than five times as important as physical intimacy within marriage. People without relationships at work often feel disengaged. Conversely, those who have a friend at work are seven times more likely to feel engaged in their job (inspired by Jane Collingwood of PsychCentral).   
                                                                                                                                        Relationships are important to God. Not only does God want us to have a relationship with Him, but He wants us to have relationships with others. In fact, His kingdom is all about relationships.                         
                                                                                                                                        Relationships are often the key to elevation, fulfillment, and favor. After all, who would Ruth be without Naomi? Who would David be without Jonathan? Who would Elisha be without Elijah? There is one thing that is for certain: we cannot be successful without relationships.....connections. 

Our society and lives are filled with all types of electronics. Most (if not all) electronics must be connected to a power source, at some point. In other words, there is power in connections. Because connections are so important we must also be careful with whom and with what we connect with. A bad connection can get you off track or even ruin what God wants to do in you (1 Corinthians 15:33). It is easy to make careless missteps when you have not been careful about your connections. Understand that every nice, caring, good-looking person is a not a good connection. By the same token, not every relationship is bad a connection either. We must be careful about the connections we make because your connections determine your strength and power. Let's seek God concerning the connections we make and currently have by taking the Connections test.    

The Connection test. Answer these questions and fill in the blanks.

Does ____ have my best interest at heart?

Does ____ encourage me to do what is right?

Is ____ loyal even when I have nothing to give?

How is ____ 's connection with God?

Does ____ genuinely rejoice in my victory?

Does ____ tell me the hard truth?

Does ____ sharpen me?

Has ____ been there through adversity?

Do I trust ____ without reservation?

I encourage you to complete The Connection Test, seek God, and from here on out be careful about your connections!

Today’s Prayer Father, as I continue this journey of strengthening my relationship with you, help me to be careful about my connections. I don’t want anything to get in the way of my connection with You. You are my heart’s desire. I know now that you’re all I’ve ever needed. Thank you so much for being my friend. Amen