Connections work, in the electrical sense, to bring light into a dark room. In the occupational arena,  good connections allow people to secure employment that goes outside the radar of advertised positions. On the financial level, the well-connected may be given extra care and consideration when in need of a loan. Socially, introductions occur that lead to solid marriages and special club memberships.

What do connections mean to one who lives to bring glory to God as His image bearer? First, a look at God’s word encourages those who follow Jesus to consider His example in the scriptures. Jesus prayed and carefully chose His closest associates, the twelve apostles from all his disciples.  Luke 6:12-13 (NKJV) reads, “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.”

Secondly, at another point  Jesus shares in John 15:7-8 (NKJV), “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” To put those verses in context, Jesus has just described Himself as the true vine, the Father as the vinedresser, and His followers as branches attached to the vine. Some branches are worthy of remaining attached, or connected, and others are not, depending on if they bear fruit, or beneficial deeds to advance God’s Kingdom on earth.

Finally, in 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV), Paul ‘s inspired words in scripture read, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” God always gives His best to those who look to His word for how to make life choices. He wants His children to have pure connections.

Sometimes, for various reasons, Christians may have faulty connections which do not match up with God’s prescribed way of choosing. If that should be the case, God gives further instruction to help with more complex situations. That requires deeper study of His word.

What do you think about your connections when filtered through God’s word? Are your connections with closest associates strong, pure, and helpful in bearing fruit for God’s Kingdom purposes? Do you have suggestions to help other readers in case they have faulty connections?