We live in a time in which the phrase “Stay Connected” is used frequently by people, businesses, churches and etc. and the phrase has a universal meaning. . . Social Media. Staying connected is the engine that makes our blood flow and without it, our ships would sink. If at any moment something occurred that were would be unable to be connected, then Independence Day would go from being a movie to life on earth. I guess what I am attempting to communicate is that without ‘staying connected’ life would not be.

What if I were to tell you that while ‘staying connected’ we actually start to lose life. Maybe as if this were a video game with a bar of life floating over our heads, that continually decreases as we spend time online. I hope I can be honest for a second without you getting upset with me because I know I will step on a few toes with this one.

Let’s take a step back from our daily life. We wake up to immediately open up our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter) prior to brushing our teeth or getting off our bed (YA LITTLE NAAASTYYYYY). Then go to work/school and are constantly logging onto social media to see how many likes you received on the picture you posted in the morning. The picture consisting of one of two posts: a picture smiling while showing too much skin or a 6-pack that is only there because you exhaled every bit of air in your lungs, or a selfie with a caption that is a scripture or quote that has nothing to do with the picture, which neither of the two makes sense. Following work, you go home in time for your daily 5 o’clock post which will keep you up all night viewing how many likes you received.

If I can be honest, although we are ‘connected’, we are connected to the wrong source. Rather than making our blood flow as we are connected, like a life support machine does, social media only makes our blood boil and breaks relationships as our lips bash each other. (First of all, not everybody wants to hear what you have to say and if they did they would ask. And second of all, if you want to comment on everything then make it a comment that will edify and build up the other person as opposed to commenting and bringing them down). As a result of ‘staying connected’ with the social media world, the only thing that happens is your life being sucked out of you.

But, just like when we charge our phones and connect them to a source that is full of power and can fill up the charge to 100%, we should seek to stay connected to the one that power flows from, Jesus. John 15:5 reads:

“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.”

If this is so, then the place where the connection should happen is with our creator in our hearts. As we are connected to Him, the only result to our actions taking place is growth, discipleship, and maturity. Even when we face trials and tribulations, we don’t ever have to face them alone because as we stay connected to Him, He is connected to us. Meaning that the one that allowed the problem to arise has a solution for the problem. But, we can only receive the solution if we are close to Him.

In John 15:5 Jesus identifies Himself as the vine, and us as the branches. As branches, our only desire is to bear fruit. It is what we seek to do, what we desire and what makes our hearts beat. With that said, Jesus reminds us to remain in Him so that He can flow through us and give nutrients and life to keep us living. But if we are connected to the lives and words of others in social media then we are disconnected to the one that matters and we cannot be fed and receive life.

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

I don’t want you to think that I am against social media or that I do not have moments that I get distracted, because if I say that then I would be lying. But one thing I do know is that “staying connected” is not really what it is and is only a distraction that will keep you from truly receiving life. I have had my moments that I have wasted a great amount of time on social media and wasted days staring at a screen to then not be able to recall anything about my life that day. I just do not want you to waste time your effort on something that has no value. Jesus is the true treasure and Jesus alone is the one that offers truth and life to go against the lies and life sucking things of this world that are without meaning.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13)

My question to you would be: years down the road when you are older and moved on with your life, what will you remember? Wasting time online and holding bitterness and grudges with others over a comment or post that you cannot remember anything about? Or, using your time to receive life and wisdom while growing in your faith and walking in the calling you have been given? The truth is, your actions today will affect your destination tomorrow and I don’t see Facebook or Instagram taking me places. On the other hand, staying connected and remaining in the vine will guide me to places I have never seen (see ‘Destinations’ blog post). Jesus offers life

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.“(John 10:10)

but the things of this world lead to death.

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Which are you choosing?

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