What Does It Mean to Be Human?Sample

The disconnect: Leaving the Father

Having thought about how we source our sense of significance in God, we turn to our craving for connection.

Every human heart longs to belong, yet all of us experience moments of disconnection – from God, from others, or even from ourselves. In Luke 15, the younger son represents the reality of rebellion and separation. By demanding his inheritance early, he isn’t just asking for money. He is effectively saying, “I want the blessings, not the relationship.” He wants independence from his father, freedom without accountability, and the appearance of fulfilment without intimacy.

Disconnection often begins with desire for independence from God. We pursue success, status, or comfort, thinking these will satisfy us. But life apart from God always leads to emptiness. The younger son ends up feeding pigs – living far below his true identity as a beloved child. Sin, pride, or misplaced ambition distort our vision, making us forget who we are and to whom we belong.

This story is a mirror for us. When we focus on our own desires, we drift away from God and others. Freedom without the Father leads to discontentment, dissatisfaction, and a sense of being lost. Recognising our disconnection is the first step toward returning to relationship, because God’s love always invites us home.

Reflection:
Where have I tried to find fulfilment apart from God? In what areas of my life am I disconnected from His love and from meaningful relationships?

Prayer:
Father, forgive me for turning away from you. Help me recognise the places of disconnection in my life and guide me back into your loving presence. Teach me to long for you more than the fleeting things of this world. Amen.