For the past two years, we’ve been seriously disconnected from others in numerous ways. I’m a people person. My insurance profession requires me to be connected to my clients. And, my business strategy requires new and improved connections for success.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my profession is meeting with others face-to-face. Well, I’m sure you, too, have experienced that face-to-face contact has been greatly limited due to this seemingly never-ending coronavirus crisis.
Let’s talk about connecting in ways that really matter.
Connectivity is the catalyst in what makes all things happen. It’s not just about people connections. Where would we be without internet and cell phone connections?
We live in a FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) culture. On occasion, I run out of the house and occasionally leave my smart phone behind. Whenever that happens, I immediately turn around and rush back into the house to acquire my missing appendage. How can we possibly function without the ability to connect?
We’re all dependent on our connectivity these days. As a novice soloist, I’ve always appreciated how meaningful lyrics and musical notes create something much more pleasing to the ear than either alone.
Teamwork, which certainly requires connectivity, can bring about synergy and results that are greater than the sum of the ideas and concepts brought by only one to the table. Business relationships are often formed to produce dynamic results that cannot be accomplished by individual effort.
Besides the obvious connections in which we all depend, there’s one that’s most critical in my personal journey. That’s my connection to the Triune God! God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit make me whole and complete.
The Triune God has guided me through the disconnect we’ve all faced these past two years. I’m talking about so much more than prayer. I’ve learned to actually experience Him meticulously working in all aspects of my life. There’s a spiritual connection that’s available to each person who genuinely accepts the Son as Savior and Lord of their life.
I’ve been truly blessed to be part of a wonderful parachurch organization for the past 35 years. CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection) has been going strong for the past 85 years and I owe much of my spiritual growth to those I’ve met through the organization during those years. They’ve kept me on the path!
There is one in this world who wants to divide us and keep us from being connected. He’s best known as Satan, the prince of the air, and he’s a real spiritual being who will do whatever he can to keep us from a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Listen to these prophetic words of Jesus found in John 16:31-33 as He speaks to His disciples in the Upper Room: “You believe at last!” ‘Jesus answered.’ “But a time is coming and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Yes, Satan wants to scatter us, and he’s accomplished it somewhat, but please realize that Jesus has overcome the world and its divisive ways. He is our strength in times like these. We must stand strong and connect to Him and those around us who also trust in Him as Savior and Lord.
Let me end with several salient questions that deserve your honest response. How’s your connection with your Father in Heaven? Have you come to Him and asked forgiveness for your selfish ways? Are you ready to come home to your Father in Heaven?
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at [email protected] for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
