By Carey Nieuwhof
We live in a really strange time where the world is more connected than it has ever been. Smart phones connect us to thousands of friends and followers on social media. However, many people have never felt more alone. Isolation and loneliness almost seem to be epidemics.
Most people would assume the older someone is, then the more isolated they feel. However, the inverse is true. Gen Z, the generation that is the most technologically connected, is the most lonely. Some research even indicates that loneliness has as much of a toxic effect on a person’s health as smoking cigarettes. We can’t ignore this growing issue.
The Disconnected Leader
God designed us to be in community, connected to Him and connected to each other. However as sin occurs in our lives, it disconnects us from God and from others.
Where does this disconnection come from? Solitude is a gift from God, but isolation is a tool of the enemy. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean it’s bad. Solitude will replenish you. But sometimes when you’re alone, it is bad because you’re isolated and not enjoying solitude. Isolation is deadly and toxic. Disconnection impacts your soul, your health, and your relationships.
How to Reconnect as a Leader
So how do you reconnect? By slowing down. Hurry is the enemy of intimacy. We’re often so rushed and so hurried, it’s no wonder we don’t have intimacy with God or intimacy in relationships with other people.
This isn’t just a technological problem. It’s not just about putting away your phone. We’ve all heard stories about the dad who comes home from work, quickly eats dinner, then goes to work on his muscle car in the garage, never really engaging with his family. Disconnection is a human problem.
If you really want to reconnect, you need to slow down. Love has a speed, and it’s slower than you are. Make time for God. Make time for the people who matter. Doing so allows you the opportunity to know God, know others, and know yourself better, creating the community in which God designed us to live, lead, and thrive.
Check out Carey’s exclusive Ministry Grid leadership courses here.
