I TALK ABOUT ISOLATION a lot, because I struggle against it. When I’m attacked, my flesh wants to isolate. When I feel rejected and abandoned, I tend to isolate and shut out everyone, even those who care. But I FIGHT my stubborn flesh. None of us get to say, “This is just who I am!” Our stinking flesh with its nasty attitudes must be crucified. Solitude is about time alone with God, but isolation is about shutting everyone out and only keeping certain people in your life that will speak to you the words you want to hear.
“HE WHO willfully separates and estranges himself seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment. A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.” Proverbs 18:1-2
Here’s why isolation is dangerous: the enemy walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Isolation makes you the perfect prey for the enemy. Ask any predator. Satan’s technique for destruction is to deceive, and he’s a master of deception and disguises. Isolation allows you to believe your own lies. You can even read Scripture in isolation but the enemy will twist and manipulate it and lie to you, “did God really say?”
The only people you let in are those who placate you and encourage you in your isolation. They speak great swelling words that your flesh loves and puff up your ego. Pride swells when you surround yourself with those who tell you what you want to hear. God forbid you would let anyone wise in who challenges your thinking. I have seen MANY fall away from the truth because they shut themselves out of the Body and rejected sound wisdom.
Isolation is kin to rebellion. The isolated person refuses to submit to God’s ordained authority and in pride refuses to answer to anyone or to work along side another in the bond of peace. You are your brother’s keeper- even the brother you find difficult. Being a productive member of the church Body forces us to crucify our flesh, love those who annoy us, and keep the bond of peace. How do you love the brethren when you keep yourself from the brethren? You are called to be a member of the local church body.
“Those who are PLANTED in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalms 92:13 NKJV
Think about this: Jesus had to tell 5 out of 7 (70%) churches they had gross sin and they did not even know it. These were whole churches in deception of their spiritual condition. How much MORE is the isolator in deception? The enemy of your soul is not playing around. Time is short.
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