Our church is having a push to encourage members to join a connect group. It’s a tough sell. That’s a bit hard to understand. Most of us are compulsive connectors. We are very social creatures. There is proof in the number of clubs, gangs, teams, cliques and neighborhood bars. There is evidence in Facebook, and in texting while driving. We were created to connect. It’s even biblical. He’s Our Father not My Father.
Our connections greatly influence us. That’s the reason our moms are so concerned about whom we hand with. It really is greatly all about whom you know. Our connections can lift us up or drag us down. They can inspire or make us comfortable in whatever state we’re in. They influence our world view. They provide us an identity, shape our self image, be a growth medium, and offer opportunities to serve.
We often choose our connections by the path of least resistance. We tend to group with those who are similar. Walk around any high school and easily id the jocks, the nerds, the in crowd, etc. They hang together between classes and have their own tables in the cafeteria. When we change or grow up we often leave these groups behind. I rarely see or hear from any of the guys with whom I spent my twelve years of pre-college education.
So why are church connect groups a hard sell? When we become born again we become new creations. One of the changes is that our old connections no longer serve us well. We often feel this disconnect but are still somewhat comfortable with our existing connections. The things about us that drew us to our groups no longer exist. We have trouble, however, seeing our new selves very clearly. Our old groups may not recognize the new us. They often hold us back or try to return us to our former lives.
It’s crucial that we recognize that we are new creatures. We may have to cut old ties and reconnect with others who share our new focus and beliefs. We can grow if we connect with others who are forgiven, don’t live in the past, are confident in the future and blessed in the present.
Give your current connections some serious thought. Do they encourage, motivate, inspire and bless? If not, it’s time to reconnect. There are plenty of opportunities. Don’t miss out.
Nick
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