Our son has a fire pit. When using it, the wood is stacked right next to each other and on top of each other, as close as it can be, before the kindling is ignited. The flame on one stick soon spreads to the logs around it. As long as the wood remains close together, the fire produces heat and serves its purpose. If no more wood is added, the logs eventually begin to separate and the fire dies out. When not connected, they no longer serve their purpose.
One of the challenges, during this pandemic season, is staying connected with family, friends, and neighbors. To accomplish this, additional methods and ways have needed to be implemented. COVID-19 days have given cause to renew gratitude for technology, phone service, notes, cards, masks, and safe distances. Due to limitations, we need to be intentional about choosing ways to stay connected in order to encourage, motivate, care for, and stay accountable to one another.
Jesus reminded us of the need to stay connected to Him. As long as one stays close to Him, there is relationship and fruit is born. If we, the branch, become detached from the vine, we run the risk of no longer producing fruit, reaching our potential, or serving our purpose.
Whether it’s our relationship with Jesus, keeping a fire blazing, or friendships, we need to choose to invest in, exert the effort, and take the time for people and things that keep us connected and making a difference for God’s Kingdom.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:1, 4-5
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:17
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