Is Connection Important?

     We reproduce what we are. On the third day of creation, God said, “Let the land produce vegetation; seed-bearing plants…The land produced vegetation; plants bearing seed according to their kinds…”(Gen. 1:11-12). God established a natural law in the physical universe for every living thing to reproduce itself. Jesus, speaking with Nicodemus, said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh; but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). In communicating the deep mystery of regenerating new birth, Jesus also touches upon the principle of reproduction.
     Intimate connection is vital for life. “I am the vine, you are the branches… Remain in me, and I will remain in you” (see John 15:4-5). Jesus spoke these words to his disciples in the upper room. In that same room, Jesus finishes his prayer, saying, “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (John 17:26).
     Our most basic, fundamental need is relationship. God designed the growth process to be experienced through connection with his Body - people. The Holy Spirit communicates the life of Jesus through his Body - people. We thrive, grow and mature in Christ-likeness to the same degree we connect in meaningfully significant ways to his Body - people.
     Many people have remarked that small groups is not for them. The reasons for this statement are varied and many of them based upon previous hurts. Nevertheless, the truth is that we bear the image of God within, an image that is made for connection. To ignore this is like holding one’s breath because of air pollution. Think about it.