WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
Around the world, the supreme form of incarceration is solitary confinement. If barring someone from all human contact is so punishing, why do many people choose to isolate themselves? Some try to escape the pressures of this world. They retreat to a place of isolation, disconnected from family and friends. Deciding they are terrible at relationships anyway, they avoid gatherings and contact with others unless absolutely necessary. Options for remote employment, virtual meetings, and home delivery of just about anything make it easier to disconnect from others.
We say we’re saving gas or time, but eventually we may find that with these conveniences, we have embraced a lifestyle of isolation. Some say, “I’m just a loner” or “I don’t need anyone else,” but living in isolation robs us of a life of substance. God created us as relational beings – to have fellowship with Him and each other. From the very beginning, He said, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18).
When we remove ourselves from the support and influence of others, we deprive others of our support and influence, too. Isolation is a dangerous path to walk – a trick from the enemy and barrier to personal growth and discipleship.
Being alone differs from isolation. Jesus was alone in the wilderness for forty days and often withdrew alone in prayer (Matthew 4:2; Luke 5:16). He practiced the discipline of solitude – getting alone with God for a specific period of time. Isolation may appear trivial, or even desirable – a reprieve from difficult relationships, a chaotic season, or the shame of past failures. But often, such is the lure of temptation.
Satan came to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). He is a predator; baiting us into isolation makes his job easier. It leaves us vulnerable to temptations, keeps us from seeing our own shortcomings, stunts our spiritual and relational growth, prevents us from exercising our spiritual gifts and reaching others for Christ, and cuts us off from experiencing the richness of healthy relationships. We think “simplifying life” will make us happy or protect us, but it robs us of the full freedom, abundance, and joy we have in Christ.
Breaking free from the prison of isolation starts with recognizing who we are in Christ and the purpose He has for us (John 1:12-13; Matthew 28:19-20). Paul likens us to many parts of the same body, together being transformed to become more and more like Christ (Romans 12:5, 2 Corinthians 3:18). Together we grow in righteousness.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Attending a good church regularly, joining a small group, seeking a spiritual partner or mentor, pursuing time with friends and family, and intentionally interacting with people all help draw us out of our isolation and into the life God created us for.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:24-25
Personal Application: When have you been tempted to isolate? What benefits do you gain from your relationships? This week, meet with a friend and talk about what God is doing in your lives.
- Taken in part from The Great Shepherd: A Psalm of Calm in a Time of Chaos by Jim Grassi, D. Min
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5