How Do I Stay Connected to Christ?

It’s not all up to you anymore…

There is altogether too much uncertainty on this question. Being “connected” to Christ is NOT meant to be as complicated as we make it. Assuming honesty, questions must be asked. First, “have I met Christ personally, or is my ‘Christianity’ a Jesus style self righteousness self based effort at achieving an audience with God? These are hard questions for some to face. 

Christianity doesn’t depend upon our efforts at being good. In fact, It starts with the recognition that “I am not perfect…” in fact, “I have messed up more than I want anyone to know.” This kind of admission makes one into a perfect candidate to become “connected.” Then, after coming “in the door” through an honest encounter with Christ, it is hard to get disconnected…provided we know the ground rules. 

Ground Rules

First, it is a process…a way…a pathway…an ongoing relationship…that is not up to us to sustain..  What is up to us is an ongoing response to the real “presence” now at work in our deepest being. This is NOT a self help program or a crutch for weak pathetic beings who can’t make it in life any other way. 

It is an invasion of the ultimate reality of the universe breaking into our life and a growing experience of fullness of life and purpose. Such depth, that from the beginning, those who discovered it were willing to die rather than give it up. For ongoing connectedness, there are ground rules. 

1. Learn the System

The system is actually called “The Kingdom”, in the Bible, and has “kingdom” principles. These must be understood and integrated into our lives. Foremost is the understanding that the self reliant, independent ways most of us bring to the table must be laid down

2. Take The Steps

No structure in nature or otherwise operates without procedure, or according to design, and always follows a progressive process of steps. The “kingdom” of God has steps. They must be understood…and followed…and will cement our “connectedness” forever. See God’s 10 Steps

3. Maintain The Relationship

The movement we discover in Christianity is a radical departure from separateness into relationship. We must recognize that the foundational dynamic is that forever, we are never alone or without help and aid. God saw the dilemma of man and has come to the rescue by providing for our beings…. The result is not only sustained connectedness but incredible identity, purpose, and growth.

4. Learn to Hear

No relationship works without communication…two way communication. God comes to help us to both authentically hear (recognize the voice of God within our being) so that…we know what to do. Like a shepherd, God is committed to leading and guiding us in an exciting exploration of life…

5. Move on into Obedience

The rubber meets the road here. The Bible says the demons (evil spirits) believe in God…and tremble…but do not obey. Hearing from God by definition must include surrender (heart acceptance). What child hasn’t heard a parent say, “Listen to me!” and recognize the parent is not addressing the action of hearing within the physical eardrum, but the internal acceptance and surrender in action to what has been said. The Bible calls our response the “obedience of faith.” 

Conclusion: Jesus called himself “the way…” which if followed leads us into permanent connectedness.