"Wisdom Cries Out"
Excusable, But Detrimental
“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” (Proverbs 18.1)
The longer we are secluded from others, the more unreasonable we become towards their perspective. Isolation causes us to seek our own desires, not God’s (Proverbs 18.1). It demonstrates a priority of our own needs and not the needs of others. There are certainly times we need to get away (Luke 5.16), but this should not be our pattern of life. God’s pattern is that we spend time with other believers as often as possible (Hebrews 10.24-25).
Recent events have driven our world into large scale isolation... and have you noticed how tensions and division have only gotten worse? It may not be the only cause, but separation from others surely breeds narrow-mindedness and pride.
Isolation during these times is easily excusable but detrimental, especially for believers. Do you think God is pleased that his people aren’t getting together as regularly as we did before?
I understand some of this is for the safety of others, but regular isolation is contrary to the work and purpose of the believer. We are encouraged to ‘do unto others’ (Matthew 7.12), to ‘go make disciples’ (Matthew 28.18-20) to ‘love one’s neighbor’ (Matthew 22.39), to ‘assemble with other Christians’ (Hebrews 10.24), and to ‘be hospitable to one another’ (1 Peter 4.8-9). How can these things be accomplished if we are isolated from others?
These are unprecedented times but we cannot allow the easy to dictate our obligation to God. We need to make efforts to be with others and hear their perspective. We reflect God’s desire when we seek out and serve others (Philippians 2.3-5).
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10.24-25)
