Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire…Proverbs 18:1
Simple truth.
Do you see any ways in which you may be inclined to isolate? I’m not talking about being a recluse but simple, ordinary ways that lean towards isolation. Staying home rather than being involved. Not participating in small group or cell group or home group – whatever your church calls them. Telling ourselves that someone else will do it. Finding ways to be involved without really participating. Contributing to a ministry rather than being hands and feet in the ministry.
What does New Testament body life really look like? How do we engage in meaningful ways with others – believers and non-believers? One of the words Merriam-Webster offers as the opposite of isolation is fellowship. I’m not suggesting we don’t have downtime, vacations and rest but when it becomes our norm rather than the exception – we may be leaning towards isolation. Let’s face it, in many ways isolation is easier and less work; of course, it comes with its own problems, but that isn’t the point of this VC?
Why do we isolate?
There is no one around to disagree with us. We can make our own decisions without considering anyone else. No one holds us accountable. We don’t have to choose to do what we don’t feel like doing. And the list goes on and on. In other words, we can seek our own desires with no one to interfere. We can live to please ourselves. That sounds so enlightened, so 21st century. It does NOT sound biblical or godly. Isolation does not fulfill either the first or second Great Commandment.
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
Isolation is all about me, not God or others. God did not create me so that I may delight in me. God created me to love and obey Him.
“Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:7 (underlining mine)
This Word challenges me personally. I have some changes I need to make in my life – how about you?
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “For you to be healthy, you must rest. Slow down, and God will heal you. He will bring rest to your mind, to your body, and most of all to your soul. He will lead you to green pastures.” – Max Lucado
The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 7-9; John 13:1-17| You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
