APPLY SCRIPTURE
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Some problems happen to us and some are caused by us. Isolation most often stems from the same root of pride/sin. A two-year-old child will say “I do it myself, daddy.” But do we change as we grow up? No, while we may not say it aloud, we tell God, “I’ll do it myself…” by how we live. We must recognize 3 things about isolation. #1 Isolation is not good. Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment (Prov. 18:1). Isolation is not solitude or quiet time. Isolation is actively separating yourself from others. Scripture says it’s wrong. Even the US Surgeon General recognizes there’s an Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. #2 Belonging is biblical. 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 (Heb. 10:25). Maybe you’ve heard of the blue zones where folks seem to live longer. A common trait of these areas is community. Community gives life. God knows it. Paul knew it. You can’t encourage others if you aren’t connecting with them. #3 Set the example for your family. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2). Burden here means a heavyweight carried a long way. The mature believer bears the burden of the new believer. You’re not simply picking something up and dropping it down. You’re in for the long haul. Oh, and this isn’t optional for the godly dad; it’s commanded. |
LATEST ARTICLE
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HOW TO PRAY FOR MY FAMILY: As a Christian, you’ve heard about the importance and the power of prayer. You’ve been told that it’s a vital element in the Christian life. Well, that’s true—and that’s why you need to apply the principles of prayer to your home. As you grow to be a man of prayer, you need to pray for your family. You need to become a prayer warrior for your wife and kids. We have some suggestions for how to get started. |
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THE POWER OF BEING CONNECTED: God never intended for us to go it alone. To the contrary, He designed life to be a team sport, a shared adventure where iron sharpens iron. Yet, as guys, we often fall into the trap of isolation. We convince ourselves that we don’t need anyone’s help. We keep others at arm’s length, and we end up paying the price for our withdrawal. Thankfully, you can break free from the lies, the pride, and the shame that leave you isolated. With God’s help, you can recognize the warning signs and move toward a life marked by healthy relationships.
GAIN INSIGHT
“There is a difference between solitude and isolation. One is connected and one isn’t. Solitude replenishes, isolation diminishes.” —Henry Cloud.
“Some Christians try to go to heaven alone…but believers are not compared to bears, or lions, or other animals that wander alone; but those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God’s people.” —Charles Spurgeon.
“At the root of your fellowship issue is not merely the absence of people in your life, or the absence of God in your life; it is the presence of sin in your hearts that separates you from God and other people. You have a heart problem, and that problem is painful.” —John Piper.
“It is not good for man to be alone. Hitherto all things [in Genesis] that have been named, were approved of God to be very good: loneliness is the first thing which God’s eye named not good.” —John Milton.
TAKE ACTION
| Guide and guard. Two words I try to let guide my prayer life are guide and guard. God would You guide me today—my time and to who/what I give my attention. God would You guard me from the selfishness of not seeking to serve others. Ask God to guide and guard you—to help guard and guide you into serving others. It’s often how you’ll find deeper friendship and community; which ultimately combats the issue of isolation. |
Kent Evans
Author of Bring Your Hammer, co-founder of Manhood Journey
P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.
Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.
