Get Connected to God — Not Religion

If we’re honest, we’ve all asked it… why follow Jesus? What’s the point?

Perspective

Have you ever wondered why you try to follow Jesus? Why live by some version of some rules?

Let’s just be real.

We do what we do to get what we get.

The A/B Dilemma

We’ve been taught that if we do A, God will give us B. Go to church, tithe, be kind and life will go well. But what happens when B never comes? When the healing doesn’t happen, the job doesn’t open up, the peace never lands? Do we stop doing A? Was it really faith… or just a deal?

We’re so conditioned to scroll. To click. To move on. There’s always something else to see, read, like, or post. These quick little tastes of content trigger that dopamine hit. That’s why we keep coming back. That’s why we do what we do there.

People post something on social media because that day, they needed to feel noticed. They wanted connection. And when someone taps “like,” it feels good. It gives a little boost.

But in the Christian world… we say we follow Jesus. Some of us really do. Others believe in Him, but… if we’re honest… we’re not really following.

So what are we after? What is the “B” we’re hoping for?

Something About Eternity

Candidly, it has to have something to do with eternity—something we will never fully understand this side of heaven.

Why?

Because it takes dying to get there. And I’ve never met anyone, besides Jesus, who died and came back.

But I do meet Him daily. Not in a glowing white robe with a sash… but in you. In others I encounter. In the Spirit that moves through people and situations. You feel that too, right?

Because if the Holy Spirit lives in you, then you’re connected to the Father and the Son.

That means you are literally walking around with God inside of you.

So Why Isn’t That Enough?

Why doesn’t that change everything?

Why, when life falls apart, doesn’t that “God in us” thing stop the pain?

Why doesn’t He protect us from the hard stuff?

Recently I watched a local ministry pushing to grow. They’ve done a great job helping people meet Jesus. They’re clear. They’ve got data. But I still wonder. Are their members really connecting with Jesus… or just the ministry? Just the pastor? Just the priest?

What about you?

Are you going through the motions?

Are you sitting in church while someone reads the gospel to you, but you never open the Bible yourself?

Are you part of a denomination or label, but not actually connecting with God?

My Why

Here’s why I write. Why I keep showing up.

To get you connected to God. Not to a religion. Not to a pastor. Not even to me.

Just God. Because He’s the one who made you.

So stop for a second. Are you actually connected to Him? Or are you just hoping B will show up?

You're here for a purpose. A specific one He has for you.

You and He will figure that out… as you walk with Him. But that can only happen if you’re actually connected.

That means…

You read the Word. Not just listen to it.

You take in Jesus outside of communion.

You don’t just imitate Christian culture. You try to model your life after how Jesus loved, how He served, how He listened.

Real Talk

Life’s not easy. You know that. There are twists and turns. Loss and longing. You see others and wonder why their life looks so much better. You question why you’re stuck. Why you’re sad. Why someone you love is gone.

The answer to those questions… is faith.

Not a churchy answer. Not a devotion that ties it up with a bow. It’s a real, honest faith between you and God. Just like Jesus had.

He showed us what it looks like to live that way. He lived for three years helping people connect with the Father. And it wasn’t easy. It led to suffering… and a brutal death.

But He finished what God asked of Him.

The Point of It All

Jesus gave us a roadmap:

— Stay rooted in God’s Word

— Slow down and notice people

— Make time for those who need a little longer to figure things out

— Keep walking your path while they do

— Spend time alone with God

— Talk about Him. Live like you believe Him.

If you’re living to get something specific, be careful. God’s ways are not your ways.

And the sooner you connect with that truth… the lighter the journey will feel.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the influences and illuminations that keep pointing us toward you. Thank you for Jesus and the model He gave us. Thank you for reminding us that no matter how good we think we are, your view is so much bigger than ours. Shape our steps. Guide us home. Help us let go of more of ourselves so we can hold more of you. We pray this in the name of Jesus—our Savior, our Lord, and our friend. Amen.