We live in a world that values production over connection. This is obvious when we look at the economic growth of our country and the simultaneous decline of the marriage and family unit. While correlation is not causation, this connection doesn’t seem to be a coincidence. We are so obsessed with production, wealth, and success that we miss out on the connection we were made for. Our families may have become disconnected roommates, but at least we have money, a well-decorated house, and a manicured lawn. If this is the reality of many families, it’s no wonder so many teenagers leave the church. If connection with Jesus was never a priority in their home, they may be less likely to pursue a connection to the vine.
It feels less productive to sit down and read the Bible than it does to do a load of laundry, but reading the Bible connects us to the one True Vine. It feels less important to pray with our children than it does to help them finish their homework, but praying helps us and our children connect to the one True Vine. In light of eternity, connection to the Vine is more productive than any of the fleeting work we pursue on this earth.
The more we willingly choose connection over production, the more we will see steady fruit grow in our lives. Choosing connection is an act of trust in God. To deny ourselves production is to tell ourselves that what we accomplish is not as important as fostering connection with Jesus. When we choose connection over production, we are reminding ourselves that we aren’t as important as we think we are. Connection is an act of rest in Jesus’s finished work on the cross.
Reflection/Discussion Question: How can you start to practice connection over production in your life?
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