Connected

A recent visit to the physiotherapist reminded me of a familiar truth. Everything is connected to everything else!
My complaint was that I have a pain in my neck and it was stiff. Though I had tried various self-invented treatments, none had been very effective. After careful diagnosis, some simple but effective exercises were tried, and then I was given my 'Personal Exercise Program'. In 12 days, when I return to see the physiotherapist, I know that she will expect to see some improvement - but that will be almost entirely connected to whether I have bothered to what she told me to do!
I am reminded of many wise words from Jesus and St. Paul. Jesus spoke often about the consequences of our both hearing and doing what he spoke about. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.' (Matthew 7.24-25) We know that life is full of troubles and difficulties. Whether we find ourselves connected to God's grace and mercy within the troubles will depend very much on whether we have bothered to connect ourselves to what he has said to us.
St. Paul had to challenge his friends with much the same idea. 'Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.' (Philippians 2.12-13)
We have to work hard to show the results of our salvation, but God is at work in us - it is all connected.
I have to be constantly reminded of this connectedness in my Christian life. Just as my physiotherapist will expect me to do what she said, so Jesus expects me to play my part in living for him. How obvious!
Best wishes,
Richard