Isolation

“Whoever isolates himself pursues selfish ends; he resists all sound advice.” (Proverbs 18:1 ISV)

This type of isolation is what the Enemy wants everyone to do, and it’s a trap a lot of men fall into. We even have a term for the places men go when they want to isolate themselves: the mancave. If Satan can get the man to withdraw from his family, he has a much better chance at success. Our Enemy wants us to isolate, so instead of talking about our stress, worries, concerns, or problems, we bottle them up inside and deal with them in isolation. Isolation to avoid people or problems is a selfish exercise and usually leads to a sinful indulgence because we are more easily tempted when we are alone, especially men who are away from their wives or families. When you’ve chosen isolation for selfish reasons, sin can easily flourish. 

“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (Luke 5:16)

“As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone.” (Matthew 14:13a)

Isolation, itself, isn’t bad. Jesus spent a lot of time alone, often for prayer but also for emotional release. When He heard the news of John the Baptist’s death, He left in a boat to isolate Himself. Perhaps the greatest example of Jesus isolating himself is the forty days he spent fasting in the desert before He began His ministry. This isn’t isolating for a selfish reason or to avoid a problem; this is isolating with a specific purpose—Jesus was about to begin the work God sent Him to do and it required great spiritual meditation and preparation. Yet, even in this spiritual and purposeful isolation, Satan still attacked. 

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came to him…” (Matthew 4:1-3a)

We are more easily tempted when we are alone. It’s true for us and it was true for Jesus, but Jesus stood firm on Scriptural Truth and resisted Satan’s temptations, and that’s exactly how we can resist him as well. It’s important to know that even if we enter into a spiritual and purposeful isolation, we can still be tempted. When you go on a prayer walk for your neighborhood or during your quiet time in the morning or evening, don’t be surprised if Satan comes tempting—be prepared. A time of isolation can be a prime hunting time for the Enemy, so we need to be on our guard. 

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

While some isolation is necessary and beneficiary, let’s not forget that the church, the body of believers, is stronger and more united when we meet together regularly and when we remember that we each make up one body in one Spirit.

 “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25)

“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)

Even though, right now, the church doors may not be open, we don’t have to neglect meeting together given the technologies available to us today. With video chats, we can still interact as the body of Christ. With texting, we can instantly communicate to our brothers and sisters in the faith. With social media and even email we can start discussion threads that can give us the opportunity to discuss important spiritual matters. We are many different parts, but we make up the same body, so even in this time of distance and isolation, let’s not neglect meeting together.

Isolation can be beneficial for us spiritually but it is also an opportunity for the Enemy to attack. Be on your guard for these attacks, stand firm on the Truth of Scripture and be sure when you enter into a time of isolation that it is for spiritual purposes, not out of a selfish pursuit.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed