This is part 4 of our sermon series, "Relationships on Lock," at Fusion Christian Church. In this series, we discuss the importance of relationships and how to create and maintain healthy ones. Here, Pastor Zac teaches about the dangers of isolation and how to stay connected instead.

We need relationships! Those who are isolated face not just loneliness, but have increased health risks. It is time for us to choose to ditch the disconnection and build our relationships. Let's examine some ways that we disconnect:

If you want to be disconnected, be a backstabber.

One of the quickest ways to become disconnected from your relationships is to be a backstabber. If you talk behind others' backs and betray their confidence, you will soon find yourself alone. Even the people you have not betrayed will find that they do not want to be friends with a backstabber! You must keep the confidence of others if you want to stay connected.

If you want to be disconnected, be a taker.

Nobody likes the person who takes and never gives back. Become a generous person to create a generous spirit in others, and this will drastically improve all your relationships.

If you want to be disconnected, hate everyone who's different than you.

While it can be difficult to get along with people who differ from us, Paul the Apostle had a different perspective. Paul chose to adjust his own behavior so that he could get along with others and win them to Christ. If we are not willing to look past our differences, then we will be hindered in spreading the gospel. What should we do to ditch the disconnection?

Live your life with your hands lifted to the Lord.

Lifting your hands to God is a sign that we are surrendered to him. Choosing to put God first is the key to getting your life in order. Put him in the number 1 spot and it will be much easier to make your other relationships fall into place.

Live your life lifting others up.

Just as you desire to be lifted up and encouraged by others, you also should lift up others. Don't become so focused on your own problems that you neglect to help others.

Live your life standing with others.

In a similar way, standing by others when they need you will help you to maintain relationships. Don't stand alone and be left vulnerable, but instead stand with others and add your strength to theirs.

Live your life with your banner high.

Jehovah Nissi means "God is my Banner," and choosing to make God a banner over your life will inspire you to fight for what is right. It gives all of us a common cause as Christians. Choose to fight for the Lord's cause.