The Dangers of Isolation

One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. - Proverbs 18:1

Although I have often spoken of the mistake one makes when they depart from or avoid Christian fellowship, I just recently took note of this valuable proverb. Perhaps it is because we always seem to be blinded to those spiritual truths that affect us directly. It seems I am just as prone to isolation as the next guy and this verse, unfortunately, reminds me why.

I am somewhat introverted and sometimes I just don't want to be bothered with the problems of other people. When I am alone, I can be extremely selfish. Of course, this can be a destructive tendency, and I have to fight the urge to isolate myself from the needs of those around me. Jesus may have "retreated" from the crowd to be with His Father, but He was never truly "isolated."

There is another danger with isolation. When we shut ourselves off from others, we only have our own counsel and that can lead to disastrous decisions. God has blessed us to be part of His "body", and He often speaks through our church family for direction. To ignore this "voice" is truly not wise.

Yes, sometimes we may need to "get away," but let us not "stay away."

Civilization would have disintegrated long ago were it not for the moral and Christian character that flows out of the church into the world. - Selwyn Hughes