The Law of Isolation

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1

 There is a cause and effect relationship between a Christian and isolation: The Christian who chooses to live in isolation will inevitably make poor choices. If you choose to live without the fellowship of other believers, then you are on your way to paying for it in your choices. It’s simply the Law of Isolation.

I meet Christians quite regularly who reject their God-given need for community and accountability. That tells me something. It typically means that they don’t want the accountability that life in a close-knit Christian community brings. There’s a secret sin–a porn habit, an eating disorder, the idolatry of material things and wealth, a gossipy tongue, a drinking problem, whatever–that they just don’t want to have to confess to another person. So they choose isolation. They guard themselves, they hide themselves, and in the tough words of this proverb, they “break out” against sound judgment. Oh, and in doing so, they inevitably break out against themselves. Because any Christian who rejects community and the wise counsel that comes with it is well on his or her way to the painful school of hard knocks.

Don’t live in isolation. Don’t reject community and accountability. Don’t let yourself drift away in the sea of seclusion. It’s too costly and you (and perhaps those you love) will pay for your poor choices.

Practice community. Submit yourself to the loving instruction and accountability of others. Live in the light. Embrace sound judgment. And start right now.